Obituary of Deanna Coolbroth Stratton

Stratton, Deanna Coolbroth died at 3:33 p.m. on March 16, 2016 at age 78 beloved wife, extraordinary mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend; generous and loving, a teacher of compassion, wisdom and acceptance; so brave and non- complaining; proud vanguard to women's equality and champion of social justice; a true believer in the utter perfection of her family (in spite of evidence to the contrary). No child could have had a stronger advocate and supporter. Dee had a gift of making people feel they were the only unique, exceptional and extraordinary person in the room. She leaves a legacy of laughter and encouragement in good times and bad. With her bright red hair, opal blue eyes, beautiful freckled face, donning a periwinkle sweater - and short on change, Deanna walked into the Chelf's Drug Store in Richmond, VA and met James, working behind the soda counter. And there began their journey of a life full of meaning and happiness and marriage; a true testament to the wedding vows they took 60 years ago. Deanna was a graduate of Cathedral School '55 in Richmond, Virginia; University of Minnesota - B.A. (Summa Cum Laude) and College of St. Thomas - M.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) and a much loved and valued team member at Project for Pride in Living, Inc. Preceded in death by much-loved parents, Mary Keene Galka and James E. Coolbroth; step-father, John A. Galka; daughter, Elizabeth Bartley Stratton; sister, Kathleen Peterson; brother, Michael Coolbroth; mother-in-law, Irene Tomes Stratton. Dee is survived by her beloved husband and soul-mate, James Edward Stratton; children, Mary T. Stratton, Michael (Kristi) Stratton, Tom (Kim) Stratton, Kate (Paul) Flynn, Christopher (Jessica) Stratton, Matthew (Kim) Stratton, John (Rachelle) Stratton; 16 grandchildren; great-grandson; brother, John P. Coolbroth; sister-in-law, Betty Coolbroth; nieces nephews, cousins and devoted friends. "Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused." Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning one hour before at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55419. 612-823-8205. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Project for Pride in Living, Inc. or Micro-Grants. Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery.