Elfriede Stronach, wife of Frank Stronach, dies at 80

Elfriede “Frieda” Stronach, the wife of prominent owner/breeder Frank Stronach, died March 25 at age 80 at her home in Aurora, Ontario, after battling illness.

Born June 1, 1943, in Gleisdorf, Austria, Elfriede Stronach immigrated to Canada after her marriage to Frank in 1964. With their shared passion and love for horses, Frank and Elfriede established Stronach Stables and the Adena Springs Farm breeding and stallion operation. Their homebreds included many top horses, including 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, who captured the 1997 Queen’s Plate with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance.

Elfriede loved to attend the races at Woodbine and was often seen in the paddock whenever a Stronach Stables runner was entered.

Along with Frank, Elfriede leaves behind daughter Belinda Stronach, son Andrew Stronach, and grandchildren Frank Walker, Nicole Walker, and Selena Stronach.

The Stronach family will be holding a private funeral and internment service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre is preferred.