Elsie Norris Strong, 97, of North Fort Myers FL, died Friday, November 24, 2017.

She was born in Sugar Grove, IL on March 10, 1920. Elsie was born and raised on a farm and rode her horse to the one room school house through eighth grade. She graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Illinois. Elsie met her future husband Bob on a blind date in college. Bob volunteered to serve in the navy during WWII. They were married during one of his leaves. After the war, they started their family in Urbana, Illinois.

They moved to Fort Myers, Florida in December 1956. Elsie taught life science at Lee, Calusa, and Suncoast Middle Schools. Her classroom was filled with turtles, fish, and snakes. Elsie pioneered the science fair at St. Francis Xavier School. She was a passionate Girl Scout leader and enjoyed family camping. When she retired from teaching in 1978, she was a key volunteer at Calusa Nature Center. Elsie was a founding member of the Weavers of Char-Lee Guild. Elsie was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and ministered to the Apostolate of the Elderly. Elsie and Bob enjoyed square dancing for 55 years and danced in many states and Canada. Every summer they traveled to California and Canada to visit their children and helped with their homes, gardens and Canadian gold mining.

She is survived by her children: Michael N. Strong (Eva Kelemen) of Kaslo, B.C., Sharon L. Broberg (John) of Santa Barbara CA, Carol S. Murphy (Terry) of North Fort Myers. Seven grandchildren: Lily, Eric, & Joseph Broberg, Joshua & Erin Murphy, Dana Brown and Susie Cornelissen, and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM (Rosary at 6:30) at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home,1600 Colonial Blvd, Ft. Myers FL 33907

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday December 1, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Church 2157 Cleveland Avenue, Ft. Myers, FL. Please contact Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home for the mass time; 239-936-2177 or www.harvey-engelhardt.com. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33907

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Elsie's name to Calusa Nature Center or St. Francis Xavier School.

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