Martha P. Strickland

She was born on November 20, 1916 in Biddeford, Maine, the second of eleven children, to Manuel and Martha (Silva) Souza. In 1941 she married John M. Strickland and moved to Old Orchard upon his return from WWII. She was an active member of the United Baptist Church in Saco, Maine, where she sang in the choir, was a longtime member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the supply department, retiring in 1980.

Since 1986 she has wintered in Colony Cove in Ellenton, where she made many friends and participated in many clubs. Survivors include her daughter Joan P. Beach, of Ellenton, her sister Margie Garon, of Connecticut, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at Westminster Towers Healthcare Center and Tidewell Hospice for her excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Faith United Church of Christ, 4850 State Route 64, East in Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith UCC. Arrangements are under the direction of Mansion Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Ellenton.