Mary - Age 87 - Los Alamos Strickfaden

Mary B. Strickfaden, 87, a long time resident of Los Alamos, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2011. She was born January 7, 1924 in Silver City, NM, where she was raised. Mary attended nursing school at Hotel Dieu in El Paso, TX, and then returned to Silver City to work in Dr. Watt’s clinic. On February 14, 1948, Miss Bennett married William Strickfaden in Silver City. In an era when nurses could not be married, this ended her career. After the Strickfadens were transferred for short stays in El Paso and Clovis, NM, Mary moved with her family to Los Alamos in August 1954. Her life in Los Alamos was filled with caring for her family, volunteering in the Hospital Auxiliary, sewing, creating ceramics, and millinery with the Mad Hatters. Mary worked briefly at the Mountain States Telephone office where her husband was the manager. With a passion for architecture, Mary and her husband Bill created a scale model of the oratorio in Plaza del Cerro (Chimayo) and a southwestern dollhouse, complete with furnishings and miniature mouth watering meals on the dining room table and kitchen. When the Historical Museum needed props for use with the Outreach Program, Mary created the wonderful models still in use. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Hume Strickfaden and stepson, William Ben Strickfaden. Surviving her is her son, Gerald and his wife Georgia of Los Alamos. The family is grateful for the loving and compassionate care that Mary received over the past several years at Aspen Ridge Lodge Assisted Living and the Española Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Mary’s ashes will be interred at Guaje Pines Cemetery in Los Alamos next to those of her husband William. Plans for a memorial celebrating Mary’s life are pending. The family of Mary Strickfaden has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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