Nora Jane Cochran Strong was born in Pueblo, Colorado and grew up in Los Angeles and South Pasadena, California Nora graduated with honors from Pomona College in 1932. She married her classmate, Hyrum Strong, the following year. Nora briefly taught early childhood education before her husband's career took them to Texas. During that stage of her life Nora focused her energy on homemaking, child-rearing and supporting her husband's career as vice president of Prudential Insurance.

Nora and her husband returned to California for their retirement. Nora designed their home in Los Osos and began to study art. She painted in watercolors and oils. Her paintings can be found in private collections in many parts of the country. Many of her paintings are inspired by the numerous and varied panoramas of seashore, cliffs, estuary and hills with which the area is blessed. She is perhaps best known for her watercolor paintings of our well-known winter visitor, the monarch butterfly. In addition to her interest in art, Nora loved travel and reading. She enjoyed her participation in AAUW and PEO. She served in a number of leadership roles in the community, including president of the Morro Coast Audubon Society and moderator of the Congregational Church of San Luis Obispo.

She has spent the last few years as a resident of the Carmel Valley Manor where she passed away in the presence of family at the age of 94.

Nora Strong is survived by her grandchildren Grace Hayes Romero of Los Osos; Robert Strong of Wheeling, West Virginia; Royce Hayes of Austin, Texas; Keith Hayes of Abilene, Texas; and five great-granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by both her children, Carol Strong Hayes and Lawrence Strong, and by her husband of 54 years, Hyrum Strong.

The Tribune, January 12, 2006