Carmen E. Strom

Carmen Elizabeth Strom, age 54, died unexpectedly December 8, 2021. Carmen is the daughter of William and Sara (Halvorson) Strom and sister of Peter Strom. Carmen was born march 10, 1967, in Seattle, WA, lived in Rochester, MN, Mora, MN, Hastings, MN and at Thompson Avenue Group Home, part of Living Well Services in St. Paul, MN. Carmen graduated from Hastings High School through Dakota County Vocational Technical School in 1988. She attended the day program at ProAct, a sheltered workshop in Eagan, MN, and was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran church. She made special connections with many people in her community, workplace and church. Carmen liked routine and stability, but when changes occurred she met them with courage, bravery and by building connections. She built lasting friendships with her staff, housemates, and friends at Proact. Carmen loved her friends wholeheartedly, missing them even years after they were gone. She participated in Special Olympics, fundraising style shows, loved baking chocolate chip cookies in the summer, chocolate chip bars in the winter, had an affinity for babies, cats and dogs, and joyfully doted on them. She collected business cards, pencils, jewelry, and trinkets from her many friends, and wore her rings, necklaces, and bracelets boldly. Carmen did what she could to make others happy. Her kind way touched many people and she taught us profound life lessons. Carmen was preceded in death by grandparents, Gottfrid and Myrtle Strom, and grandparents, Herb and Edna Halvorson. She is survived by her parents, Bill and Sara; and brother, Pete (Amy); nephew, Charlie; niece, Addie, aunts, uncles and cousins. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th St. in Hastings. A visitation will be held from 12:30 - 1:00 PM at church on Sunday. Memorials preferred to Living Well Disability Services, Proact Incorporated non-profit, or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.