Barbara Hyacinth Hodge Strong

Barbara Hyacinth Strong of New London, CT passed away peacefully on 8/12/2026 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Barbara was born in Aruba on June 24, 1950, to Constant Elie Hodge and Annocia Lawrence (Hodge). Her family migrated to the United States when Barbara was 4 years old as part of a great migration of West Indians to the US.

Barbara attended New London High School, class of 1968, where she met her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Rafel Strong. They married on October 7,1972 at Saint Joseph’s Church in New London, CT and would go on to have two beautiful children, Derrick and Alexis.

Barbara was a passionate beautician, building a successful career as a hairdresser. She worked at several hair salons throughout New London County and would go on to offer private services to her established clientele. Barbara extended her passion for hairdressing to her family and close friends. Often referred to as the “family stylist”, she took pride in ensuring her loved ones felt confident in their appearance.Barbara lived a life of service. Following her retirement as a hairdresser, she worked as a food service worker for New London Public Schools where she touched the lives of several students through her care and genuine passion for children. She also volunteered for the New London Girl Scouts Troop and vacation bible school with United Methodist Church. She served on the Pow Wow Committee for the Eastern Pequot Tribe, which her late husband and two children are members of, and taught traditional dance lessons to tribal youth.

Barbara had a fond appreciation of the simple things life had to offer. In her later years, she enjoyed outings with friends and family including trips to bingo and her weekly shopping trips with her daughter Alexis. She spent her summers hanging by the pool with her close friends Joanne and Moose and loved to party any chance she had, often coming alive on the dance floor.

Barbara will always be remembered for strong fiery personality. She was small, but had a larger-than-life attitude and was never afraid to speak her mind. Though she only had two children of her own, she served as a motherly figure to several of her relatives and close friends. She was also a devout grandmother to her beloved grandchildren Dama, Will, and Raven.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Derrick Strong and Alexis Strong-Goodrich (Lamar) both of New London, CT, her bonus daughter Maribel Narvaez Cruz (Boston, MA) her granddaughters Damaryz Martinez, Will Martinez, and Raven Strong, (Boston, MA) and brothers Vincent Hodge (California), Calvin Hodge, and James Andrew Hodge (New London, CT). She is also survived by her close friends who became family, Audrey Sebastian, Joanne Cummings-Speedwell, and Rodames (Moose) Speedwell, niece Sierra Strong, nephew Andre Strong, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Rafel Strong and sister Irmis Duzant.

A calling hour will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 11am-noon, followed by a memorial service beginning a noon at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service, 181 Ocean Ave., New London, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Strong family at 870 Bank St, New London, CT 06320.