Emily Amelia Strickland

Emily Amelia Strickland, 83, of Homosassa, passed away on Sun., Feb. 23, 2014 at her home. A native of Queens, NY, she was born April 30, 1930 to Lothar and Emma (Jirsa) Hoffmann, one of two children. Emily was always a music lover and attended the Julliard School in New York. Her professional life held two facets; she was a legal secretary in New York, then upon moving to Citrus County in 1972 from Jeffersonville, NY, she became a bank officer with Brannen Banks, with whom she served for 25 years. Mrs. Strickland was a member of the American Rose Society and was known to have as many as 100 rose plants at one time. She was also an accomplished artist of oil and watercolor mediums and practiced the art of tai chi. Mrs. Strickland is survived by her loving companion of 30 years, Duke Kissinger, Homosassa; her six children: Karen Terrell (Thomas), Indian Harbor Beach, FL; Gail Caldiero, Williamson, GA; Robin Egan-Harper, Lecanto; Michele Egan-Miesbauer (Brian), Indian Harbor Beach, FL; Albert Egan, Homosassa and Kristina Egan-Pank (Richard), also of Homosassa; twenty grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Lee Egan in 1972; a grandson, Aaron Zylstra; daughter-in- law Tina Egan and son-in-law Joseph Caldiero. A celebration of life will be held be held in Emily’s Rose Garden on March 8, 2014 from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to either Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast or the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa. www.wilderfuneral.com