Patricia Ann Strickland

Patricia Ann Strickland 87, of Milford, DE passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at home. Pat was born in Wilmington, DE the daughter of the late Clifford E. and Mary (Stackhouse) McFadden. Pat spent her entire childhood in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania where her father owned and operated McFadden Greenhouses. She was a 1956 graduate of Kennett High School, where she excelled in theatre and dance.  She attended Southern Seminary Junior College (now Southern Virginia University)  in Buena Vista, Virginia and graduated in 1958 with an associate’s degree in education.  

In August of 1960 Pat married her husband W. James (Jim) Strickland and enjoyed a 65-year marriage before Jim’s passing in June 2025. After marriage Pat moved to Richardson Park in Wilmington, Delaware where she and Jim started a family.  Following Jim’s career with the Diamond State Telephone Company, Pat moved to Milford, DE where she raised her four children. Pat was very active in her children’s lives, serving as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church, a Trustee at the church, Team Mothers for her son’s Little League teams, and director of various school and church Christmas programs. In addition to her dedication to family, Pat immersed herself in the Milford Community serving as Co-Chair for the Milford Memorial Hospital Fair, which raised funds for the Milford Memorial Hospital and served as community highlight in May each year, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of People’s Place and Milford Parks & Recreation.

In 1973 while pregnant with her youngest son Cliff, Pat was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While the diagnosis was devastating, Pat never wavered and maintained a normal life despite the constant physical toll of the disease.  Her faith and positive attitude allowed her to overcome the disease until well into her 80’s.  

After her children grew, Pat returned to her love of education becoming a teacher at Avenue Pre-School at the Avenue Methodist Church in Milford. She flourished as a teacher and enjoyed watching the children develop and spending time with her teaching colleagues, several of whom were her dear friends.   An example of Pat’s commitment to the children was her decision to learn sign language so that she could help a young deaf student at the Pre-School.

Pat is survived by her children; William J, Strickland (Okemah), Wendy M. Russell, Scott J. Strickland (Dayna) and Clifford H. Strickland (Jennifer); 8 grandchildren and 11 great children.

Pat enjoyed spending time with her family and relished being “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great children. A highlight for Pat was spending summers in Fenwick Island, a place she referred to as her “ happy place”.  

A visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Avenue Methodist Church, where services will follow at 11:30.  A Private Burial will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Delaware. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to the Avenue Pre-School C/O Avenue Methodist Church or Doggone Happy Animal Rescue. Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com 

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