Judith Strickland

Judy Strickland age 79 passed away peacefully on January 31,2021. Born in Portland Connecticut she was the oldest of 7 siblings born to Mary (McBrien) & Francis DeBari where she was raised on the family dairy farm. She was a member of 4-H, former member of the Hemlock Grange, Portland Fife & Drum Corp, played the saxophone in the school band, and graduated from Portland High School. Judy had many jobs throughout her lifetime including Jarvis Airfoil, CNA, phlebotomist, activities director at Sunrise Resort, and a hospital switchboard operator. Judy was a registered clown with the stage name of "Pickles". She was all about entertaining and put on many magic shows at multiple venues & family gatherings. Judy wintered in Florida and then transitioned there full time for many years in Englewood. She was a dog lover, especially fond of her her most recent dog Sophia, loved arts & crafts, her parrot "Rosie", gardening, karaoke, cooking, annual travel to Cancun, Mexico, and always out for a laugh. She was predeceased by her mother & father, brother Jerry DeBari, and former husband, Melvin Strickland. She is survived by 3 daughters Michelle Stevens of Portland, Kim Stevens and her son Dejuan of Mississippi, and Lisa & husband Scott Cunningham and their children Joshua & Lauren of Portland as well as many nieces, nephews,stepchildren and step grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind siblings Denise (& Alan) Kateley, Donna (& Jim) Fitzsimmons, Brien (& Karen) DeBari, Mary DeBari & Rhea DeBari. Private Services and a celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.