Bellingham resident Shirley Strand dies at 96

Shirley Strand died in Bellingham on Oct. 14, 2026. She was 96 years old.

Strand was born on April 27, 1930. She graduated from high school in 1948. She lived in Bellingham her whole life. Her life in the city spanned nearly a century.

Her first husband, James Roland, died in 2005. In 1961, she married her second husband, Henry Strand. Henry Strand was by her side for 65 years. The couple lived together until her death. Strand was the daughter of Hilding and Minnie Osberg.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Strand. She is also survived by her children, Erin Roland and Jeffrey Strand. Jeffrey Strand is married to Courtney. She is survived by three grandchildren: Jared Haveman, Jonas Knudsen, and Dior Wright. Dior Wright is married to Terry. She is also survived by extended family members.

Strand was preceded in death by her daughters, Pamela Knudsen and Dawn Roland. She also had a son, Jeffrey Strand, who is survived. She had four children in total.

People who knew Strand remembered her loud cheering at swim meets. They also remembered her sense of humor and the laughter she shared with those around her. Her wit and personality were noted by the people who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Sig’s Funeral Home in Bellingham. The family noted that her humor, stories, and place in the family will continue with the next generations.