Eva Van Strien, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully on Sept. 5, at the Gregory Wing of St. Andrews Village, Boothbay Harbor, with her husband of 71 years and daughters by her side.
Eva was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Sept. 29, 1918, the seventh of eight children of Charles and Rosa Grice who emigrated from England. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Eva sang in the choir at Smith Memorial Congregational Church and graduated from South High School. Following graduation, Eva worked for Wolverine Brass. After raising her daughters, she enjoyed working at a jewelry store and in the home economics department of Mountain Fuel Supply in Salt Lake City.
David and Eva were married in 1942 in Grand Rapids, Mich. and also lived in East Lansing, New Harbor, Baltimore, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Poona, Ind. and they visited many countries throughout their years together. She was a long time member of Wasatch Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City.
Eva was known for her beautiful smile and her consistent kindness and thoughtfulness. She intuitively knew what others needed, often before they did. Her British heritage was evident in her dress and manners. She was a talented seamstress and cook and enjoyed making her home a welcome place for all.
Eva is survived by her husband, David of Boothbay Harbor; brother, Robert Grice of Michigan; daughters, Sally Stanik and husband Mark Eelman of New Harbor, and Bonnie Chipman and husband John of Salt Lake City, Ut.; grandchildren, Susan Durick and husband Jim of North Plainfield, N.J., Christopher Meik of Bremerton, Wash., Stephanie Meik and husband Wayne Bresky of Ithaca, N.Y., Amy Marzano and husband David of Edison, N.J., John Stanik of Brooklyn, N.Y., Carol Grasso of Summit, N.J., Tim Bosen and wife Sarah of Waukee, Ia., Sarah Bird and husband Andrew of Salt Lake City, Ut., and Emily Carmona and husband David of Black Mountain, N.C.; and great-grandchildren, Lily, Sam, Zachary, Brody, Gabrielle, Olivia, Eli, Asher, Eva, Elise, Austin, Nathan, Noah, Nimuae and Gita.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
