Obituary of Blanche Freda Soderman

Blanche Freda Soderman died peacefully April 20th in Tigard, Oregon, surrounded by members of her loving family. She was born Blanche Freda Marrs in Vancouver, Washington 99 years ago. At age 3, her family moved to Pendleton, Oregon. Her mother died when she was 8. After her mother’s death the family moved to Tigard. Blanche attended Tigard Grade School and was particularly proud of being voted captain of the school’s championship girls’ basketball team. After grammar school she moved to Portland where she attended and graduated from Commerce High (now known as Cleveland High). In 1935 she married her first husband, Victor Charles Strejc. They raised four children and lived in Portland until Victor’s death in 1956. Blanche later married Dr. Helmer Soderman. Upon Helmers retirement the couple moved to Carmel, California where they lived until Helmer died in 2007. Blanche was an active member of the Carmel Foundation and the Carmel Presbyterian Church. Her father, mother, two brothers--Rollen C. and Perry W. Marrs--and her second son, John C. Strejc, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Edna Potapenko and daughter Judith A. Sutton, both of Tigard; sons, Robert V. Strejc and wife Lois of Reno, Nevada, and Richard C. Strejc and wife Carol of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; daughter-in-law Judy Strejc; six grandchildren, ten great grand children, one great, great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Blanche will long be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, her strength and her loving personality. Memorial services are pending.