Barbara Stricklin

Barbara M. Stricklin, lifetime resident of Baltimore and long-time teacher and educator at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (BPI), passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in Roland Park. Born in Baltimore on December 29, 1934, Barbara was the first of five children of Harry A. ("Mose") MacHamer and Florence Patricia (O'Connell) MacHamer. Barb graduated from Western High School in 1952, and then from Goucher College in 1955 with a chemistry major. Following her graduation from Goucher, Barb began her professional career as a chemistry teacher at Baltimore's Eastern High School and then moved to Bernardsville, New Jersey, teaching at Bernards High School.

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