Nina Strand Obituary

Strand
Nina Elizabeth
(Page) Strand
April 17, 1932
July 31, 2023

On July 31, 2023, Nina Elizabeth Strand (née Page) passed away at the age of 91.
Nina was born in 1932 in Danville, Virginia, and grew up in Yanceyville, NC. She graduated from Duke University, Magna Cum Laude, and belonged to the prestigious scholastic organization Phi Beta Kappa. She moved to Washington DC, joined the State Department (and later the CIA), and was stationed in Vietnam. There she met her future husband, Sherman R. Strand, a pilot in the USAF. He flew her to Ankor Wat for their first date. After moving back to Washington DC, they were married in the Duke Chapel. Over the course of several years, they lived in several places including Damascus, Syria; Guam; and several US states. After a tour in Colorado, Colorado Springs became the home they eventually returned to.
Nina had a strong interest in global politics and earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (with a thesis discussing the political state of the Marianas Islands). She also became an avid hiker in the Colorado Rockies, summiting several 14,000 foot mountains into her early 70s (quite a feat for someone who grew up with debilitating asthma). Even after sustaining several broken bones due to a fall while climbing Mount Sneffels, she was so determined to summit the peak that she continued up the trail until she reached the top. In addition to hiking, she loved to travel and visited several foreign countries.
Nina's survivors include 2 daughters, Kate Strand (Charles Adams) of Maryland, Holly Strand (Chuck Hawkins) of Utah, a son, Peter Strand of Colorado, a grandchild, Elliot Strand-Hawkins of Utah, a brother, Hugh Page (Judy Page) of North Carolina, and her beloved cat, Autumn.
She was unstoppable in her quests and was an inspiration and gentle soul who had great compassion for people and animals. She will be deeply missed by her family.
There will not be a public memorial service. Please send donations to The Nature Conservancy or Silver Key