Carol Elinor Strickland

Carol B. Strickland
June 23, 1934 - March 24, 2026

Carol B. Strickland, 91, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at her home in Madison, VA.

Born on June 23, 1934, in Manchester, NH, Carol was the daughter of Gordon Barnard, Sr. and Doris Wheeler Barnard. She was raised in Manchester and attended Manchester Central High School. She then attended Elliot School of Nursing at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, NH, graduating as a registered nurse.

Carol then married Donald Strickland, her husband of 59 years. They lived in Boston, MA and Goffstown, NH before settling in Fall Church, VA where she lived for 63 years. There, she raised her family, was active in church and community life, and worked with family practice doctors, applying her nursing skills in a caring and practical way.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who took great joy in attending school and sporting events and planning gatherings with family and friends. Carol was also a Girl Scout leader and, together with Donald, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of Dulin United Methodist Church throughout her time in Falls Church, a faithful member of Joshua's Way Women's Fellowship, and an active participant in the Dulin Craft Group, where she formed lasting friendships. In 2024 Carol moved to Madison. There, she attended Mountain View Chapel and joined a weekly Bible study group.

Carol had a deep love of life. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, camping, the beach, gardening, playing pool, and biking. She kept active with early morning walks almost every day for over 30 years, and even at 91 she continued to walk regularly in Madison. She will be remembered for her quick wit, warmth, and determined spirit.

She is survived by her daughter Donna Baird and her husband Brian Baird, her son Mark Strickland and his wife Liz Strickland, her daughter Lisa Jardine and her husband Chris Jardine, her brother Allan Barnard, 9 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Donald Strickland, her brothers Gordon Barnard, Jr. and Robert Barnard, her sisters-in-law Nancy and Janey Barnard, her grandson Michael, and her great-granddaughter Jackie Jane.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held at a date to be determined.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.