Edna Jean "Teddy" Cannon Stringham

Our wonderful and inspiring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Edna Jean (Teddy) Cannon Stringham, passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2024 of causes incident to age. Teddy was born on April 23, 1929 to George Mousley Cannon Jr. and Edna Nibley Cannon. She was the youngest and only girl in a household of three older brothers, all of whom adored her. Her father frequently told her that she was “his favorite daughter.”

Teddy grew up in the Avenues area of Salt Lake City and later moved to a home bordering the Bonneville Golf Course. She attended East High School and the University of Utah where she affiliated with the Chi Omega Sorority along with some of her closest and lifelong friends. Teddy graduated from the University of Utah with two bachelor's degrees, one in music and the other in education.

She loved spending the summers at her family cabin in upper Weber Canyon. Growing up with cousins as her playmates, the entire ranch became a playground and fostered close lifelong relationships. Her cousins became as close as brothers and sisters. She loved riding horses, hiking, and the natural beauty of the mountains. As a mother she passed onto her children her love of the Weber and surrounding mountains. She also enjoyed boating and spending time at the beach that often included a stay with her brother Chick. Teddy loved gardening and would call it her “daily exercise” as she spent hours on her hands and knees tending to her yard into her nineties.

Teddy was sealed for time and all eternity to James Grant Stringham in the Salt Lake Temple on August 10, 1954. Their marriage continued for sixty-three years until Grant’s death in 2017. Teddy and Grant initially lived in Baltimore Maryland while Grant attended medical school at the University of Maryland. She taught elementary school in Baltimore to help support their family. She continued teaching school when they moved to Illinois. They returned to Salt Lake City and established their permanent home in the Parley’s Third Ward where they lived for the next sixty-two years.

Mom was an accomplished musician and pianist. Having received formal training in piano and organ, and possessing an inherent perfect pitch, she often accompanied vocal performers and found time to teach piano to each of her children and others.

Teddy had a deep love and testimony of the Savior which motivated her lifelong commitment to service of others. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities of leadership including Ward and Stake Relief Society President, and various general Church committees. She also served as ward pianist and organist until well into her eighties. She was involved in her community and was always one to provide service to others. Some of her favorite community positions included serving as President of the Medical Auxiliary, and as delegate to the Utah Republican State Convention. Teddy remained engaged in current events, literature, and gospel topics throughout her life.

When her children were grown, she returned to teaching. She worked with the students of Edison Elementary in Salt Lake City for the next twenty years. At Edison, she began tutoring and supportive programs to help students with educational assistance and basic necessities. Teddy especially loved working at Edison because of the impact she could make in her students’ lives.

Our remarkable mother had an indominable and enduring spirit, but tempered her strong will with love and kindness. Her constant love and dedication to her family was keenly felt and will be sorely missed. Her family was the single most important thing in her life. Her love extended to her brothers, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She constantly strived to maintain close relationships with each of them.

Teddy is survived by her children, Anne (Craig) Earl of Sandy UT, James (Liz) Stringham, and John Stringham both of Salt Lake City, UT. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Teddy was preceded in death by her husband Grant, parents, her three brothers George, Charles, and Morris, her granddaughter Paige Earl, and her great-grandson Christopher Groscost.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Amanda Laloni, Fo Laloni, Kina Brown, Sina Laloni, and Barbara Bawden, and other care givers for their loving service that allowed Teddy to remain in her home during the final years of her life. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm (noon) at the Parleys Third Ward, 2615 Stringham Avenue (2295 South) Salt Lake City. Friends may call Saturday morning at 11:00 am prior to the funeral. Interment will be in Salt Lake City Cemetery. You may watch a recording of the service online through Zoom by clicking the “Watch Service” button above.