Marino, California: This weekend, Helen Joyce Stroud, who helped found the much-admired Strouds Linen firm, will be honored with a celebration of life.
Stroud, sometimes known as Joyce, died quietly on June 23 at the age of 94.
She was employed by United Airlines as a flight attendant when she met Wilfred “Bill” Stroud, the man who would become her husband, on a Denver to New York aircraft. After being married, the couple moved from New York City to California, where he had great success in his retail profession with Broadway department shops.
The first Stroud’s Linen business opened its doors in Pasadena in 1979. Her organizational abilities and good eye for detail helped her advance to the position of shop manager, from which she eventually rose to vice president of the successful business. Stroud’s Linen achieved a remarkable feat with a successful initial public offering, growing to over 50 outlets by 1994.
At the age of 77, Bill Stroud passed away in 2003. Not long after, the retail company—which had already undergone a change in ownership—liquated.
In addition to her sister Sharon (La Habra, California), Joyce Stroud is survived by her children Kathie (Portland, Oregon), Stephen (Pasadena, California), and Jeff (Camarillo, California), as well as a large number of grandchildren, a great-grandchild, extended family, and numerous friends.
On Saturday, August 24 at 12:30 p.m., the San Marino Community Church will host a memorial ceremony honoring her life. This will be followed by a reception at the church.
The family has asked that donations be made to the Pasadena Humane Society, a charity that was dear to Stroud, in place of flowers.
