Phyllis M. Stram's Obituary
Phyllis Marie (Pesha) Stram passed away at the age of 96 on January 29. She was pre-deceased by her husband of fifty-two years, Henry “Hank” Stram and is survived by their six children, their spouses and her three grandchildren: Henry Stram and his husband Martin Moran; Dale Stram and his wife Janet (Hall) Stram; Stuart Stram, his wife Dana (Pedrotti) Stram and their daughters Hanna, Ava and Sophia; Julia Stram; Gary Stram and his husband Scott Duthie; Mary Nell Stram and her husband Patrick Stauffer.
Phyllis (affectionately known to her family as “Dibs”) was born on September 11, 1929 in Detroit MI to Henry Pesha and Mary (Ide) Pesha. The family moved to Lafayette, IN where she was raised and attended Purdue University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1946.
It was at Purdue that she met the love of her life. The two married in 1953. As they started their family, Phyllis followed Hank to several assistant college coaching positions until 1960 when he was named head coach of the Dallas Texans. In 1963 they moved to Kansas City when the franchise became the Kansas City Chiefs. The family settled in New Orleans in 1977 where Hank was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. She was integral to the success of her husband’s teams as a surrogate mother and role model to the wives of Hank’s players.
As a Northshore resident, Phyllis formed and ran VAAN, delivering meals to the aged and needy. She was a devoted Catholic and chose Clare as her confirmation name; a name that evokes light. She was a light and her intelligence and sense of humor were unparalleled. That radiant light made the world a better place and warmed all of those fortunate enough to know her.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Trinity Trace and Notre Dame Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer masses or donations to Most Holy Trinity Church, 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA.
A private ceremony for her family was held on February 4 at Most Holy Trinity Church.
“More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.”
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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