Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Barbara Stricklin Obituary
Barb returned to Baltimore in 1965 to begin her distinguished career at Baltimore Polytechnic. She served as a chemistry teacher throughout her tenure, while also later serving as the head of the science department, and then, as an assistant school principal. In August 1969 she married Vernon F. Stricklin, Sr., a US Marine Corps veteran of the Pacific Theater in World War II who later retired after 39 years with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.
The culmination of her professional career was her service as the 10th head of school at Poly as Interim Director in 1990-1991, the first woman to serve in that capacity. Following her retirement from Poly in 1992, Barb joined the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Foundation, supporting major heritage and archiving programs and numerous alumni activities. In 2014, Barb moved from the Riderwood area into the Village of Augsburg Senior Community. In 2022, she moved back to Roland Park to Symphony Manor.
Barb is survived by brothers Thomas J. (Nancy Taylor) MacHamer, Jeffrey S. (Lessandra) MacHamer, stepson Vernon F. (Patti) Stricklin, Jr., grandson Jared P. (Erin Bolduc) Stricklin, sister-in-law JoAnn MacHamer (widow of brother D. Terrence), by nieces Jennifer L. MacHamer, Diana M. (Trevor) Pound, Sara A. (John) Kroening, by nephews D. Slade (Mesha) MacHamer, Bradley B. (Maya) MacHamer, Brendan A. MacHamer, Grant A. (Tayler Mehit) MacHamer, two great-grandchildren, and seven grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry A. and Florence Patricia MacHamer, husband Vernon F. Stricklin, Sr., stepson Stephen G. Stricklin, sister Carol H. MacHamer, and brother D. Terrence MacHamer.
Her Celebration of Life service will take place at Ruck Funeral Home at 1050 York Road, Towson, MD 21204 on Thursday, 18 December 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM, with remarks and reflections to begin at 3 PM.
www.RuckFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Barbara Stricklin
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Stricklin
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
4 Entries
Jon Files, Poly '53
November 26, 2025
What a Wonderful Person! - I knew Barbara by my working with her husband. Then in 2001 she got our Class to have a 50th Reunion in 2003; we have had them every year since. Barbara met with us for years, always with the right information or suggestion. Her work was the inspiration for developing a "Poly Timeline" for our 60th Reunion Class Gift. About that time, we named her an Honorary Class Member. She will always be remembered!
Mark Palmer
November 25, 2025
She was one of my favorite teachers at Poly (Class of 1978). I remember her as a kind, considerate teacher who was so enthusiastic towards all her students. Although, I was not the best of students, her bubbly personality made the chore of studying chemistry much more bearable. I wish I had taken to heart more of her lessons when doing various safety analyses as a Systems Engineer in the aeronautical industry for the last 42 years. May she rest in peace forever.
Anthony J. Ambridge
November 23, 2025
Ms. Stricklin --my Chemistry teacher and subsequent long-time friend, a true Poly Woman. You are missed dear friend.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Stricklin's name
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Stricklin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
