Rose Strickland

We are heartbroken to announce the death of our mother, Rose Strickland, on 2/11/23 at the age of 83. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, and in the care of Calvary Hospice. Among her family, universe of friends and colleagues and her cherished Prospect-Lefferts Manor, Brooklyn community, she was a much-loved presence.

Rose Stokes was born on September 21, 1939, in Harlem to Isabella Boykin and William Henry Stokes. She was raised in Clinton, NC. After graduating from Sampson High School in Clinton, Rose followed the path of the "Great Migration" northward to New York City (as did many in her family) and enrolled at St. Mary's School of Nursing in Hoboken, NJ, graduating in January 1962 (her firstborn learned to read using her textbooks!). After graduating she began a long nursing career that spanned decades in both patient care and management, and developed many lifetime friendships. Jacobi Hospital, Albert Einstein Hospital, White Plains Hospital, and Visiting Nurse Service of Westchester are a few of the institutions to benefit from her no-nonsense, ethical, and empathetic approach. Rose briefly worked as Vice President of Westchester-Putnam Affirmative Action after attaining her Bachelor's Degree at Mercy College in 1980, and while working towards her Master's Degree at Pace University. However, she returned to nursing at Montefiore Hospital, which was always her preferred profession. She retired in 2003 at age 64, and began the richest phase of her life, enjoying a full social schedule that included visiting with family and friends and traveling extensively. She visited much of the US, Central & South America, the Caribbean, a wide swath of Europe, Morocco, South Africa, and Thailand.

Rose will be remembered for her devotion to her children, dedication to extended family and friends, her love of art, music, dancing, wonderful cooking, timeless style, daily walks around the community and Prospect Park, hosting family and holiday events, and involvement with community affairs. She was a newshound and an avid reader, and took classes in painting and sculpture, creating several wonderful, cherished art pieces. She remained committed to her alumni association for Sampson High School, provided guidance for the Boykin Family Reunion and faithfully maintained and supported her many friend circles.

Rose married Jasper Strickland on January 15, 1960. From this union, three children were born - David, Dori, and Deborah. Rose was predeceased by her beloved parents, adored brother William Stokes, a cousin who was a fourth sister to the family, Loretta Sue Ashford, and a host of other relatives. She is survived by her children, David Strickland, Dori Vuksanovic (Joseph), and Deborah Strickland, her sisters Bettye Stokes Ingram and Vera Stokes Johnson, and a multitude of extended family members and friends.

As per Rose's request, no funeral will be held. Contributions in Rose's memory can be made online to Equal Justice Initiative, Doctors Without Borders, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These groups' missions aligned with her core principles, and she provided financial support to them for many years. Please reference email dsny30@hotmail.com when making a contribution.