Death date: Feb 23, 2022
Beloved lifelong Gainesville resident Anne Strickland passed away February 23, 2022. Anne was born in Whitefield, NH to Larry and Alice (Thompson) Monahan, who preceded her in death. Anne is survived by her children Mary Jane Lan Read Obituary
I met Anne as a beginning teacher at Lake Forest Elementary School. She was an amazing mentor from whom I learned so much. Anne was a brilliant teacher who was patient, caring and so incredibly creative. She made learning fun, even for the most reluctant student. I always found it fascinating to watch Anne teach. This could be in the classroom, on the sidewalk or on the playgroup; she never missed a teachable moment. Anne was dearly loved by her students and their parents, as well as all facility and staff.
Anne was a true friend who was clever, witty and so much fun to be around. We remained in touch after I left Gainesville. Over the years I always looked forward to receiving Anne’s beautiful handmade Christmas, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Days cards. Anne was a very special person who touched so many lives. She will truly be missed.
Bernadette Sloan
A Love Letter To Anne and Family
The sweetest “Old Miami” neighborhood was where we lucky little people shared our childhood!
We delighted in balmy sun kissed days and knew for sure…Our parents loved each other, us, and our way of life…
Alice and Larry and their four girls, all as bright as the neon signs Larry’s company created to cast their shine over the Florida skyline. We lived where family came first!
Anne artfully carved her own path from this “Magic City” to Gainesville and beyond. A Teacher’s Teacher, revered, respected, honored, who’s list of credits only comparable to her wit, her clever, her caring ways, and loving thoughts. Her “Holiday Cards” this artist's expression of all the many colors, shapes, and endless creativity of our Anne… An exemplary model of Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Colleague, and Wise Sage…
We all love and will miss you beyond measure…Anne and her sister Mary enjoyed an extraordinary connection…Summers in New Hampshire and always an itinerary of museums, art shows, and sights to inspire Tall Tales!!!
We believe there is a Heaven and Anne and Mary are in it…Reunited to resume their adventures,
travels, and God Willing….Their Mischief!!!
I taught with Anne at Lake Forest for many years. She was a smart, caring, & fun lady to be around. I remember her saying to kids who took forever washing their hands "we're not washing for surgery here, move along". In the winter she would have snowball fights (with wads of paper) & the kids (most had never seen snow) loved it. When her mother was dying, she drove to Miami every weekend to see her. She was a wonderful teacher & a very dear friend.
My heart is broken and the sadness is overwhelming, but I know that this incredible little lady is in a much better place. I feel so blessed to have such an awesome mother-in-law and inspiring friend in my life for almost 40 years. She gave me the greatest gift in life (Wes) and I reminded her often that it was the gift that keeps on giving (because we were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters). We couldn’t go anywhere in Gainesville with Anne without running into her former students, coworkers and friends, and I was always touched to see how much they loved her. There is no doubt that she was our Angel here on earth and now she’ll be watching over us. No regrets Anne - only an amazing life and family filled with a lot of LOVE! I’ll carry you in my heart until we are reunited. 💔😘💕
My oldest son Christopher had Mrs. Strickland as his Kindergarten teacher. She was such a sweet and wonder teacher and loved all of her students. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
I see Anne as a hero.
A hero is someone who can endeavor life’s challenges with strength, courage, and humor. A hero loves with grace, teaches with humility, and lives her life with integrity. Anne held these qualities perfectly. Her devotion to the ones she loved was amazing. She was so very generous of her time, her home, and her resources…a true gift to humanity.
Anne made smile soooo many times. I smile more today because of Anne Strickland. Her devotion to her sister Mary was so remarkable. Her strength provoked strength in us, and we are stronger today because of Anne’s example. She is at peace now. Her mother duties, sister duties, auntie duties, and teacher duties are complete. Our gratitude for her existence is enormous…and her true hero spirit will never end.
