Annemarie H. Strickler died peacefully in her home at Brethren Village on April 16, 2015. She was the daughter of Gustav and Marianne Zuckschwerdt Heinemann. Annemarie was predeceased by her husband J. Laurence Strickler who was president of Educators Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Annemarie was born in Philadelphia. Thanks to her family’s German ancestry, she and her late sister Dora moved to Berlin with their parents in 1919 when Annemarie was seven. She attended a German school for eight years before returning to the U.S. in 1927. The family settled in Wyncote, PA where she then attended Cheltenham High School, graduating with honors and fluent in German, French and English. Annemarie married J. Laurence Strickler in 1931 and lived in Lancaster since 1933.
Annemarie was a very active member of First United Methodist Church for 82 years. As a young bride she was introduced to the Lancaster YWCA and became a strong advocate for the organization’s philosophy, participated in and led many of its programs, and served as board president from 1954-59. Annemarie was also active in ALPHA Club, helping to provide social and recreational activities for adults with mental and emotional problems.
Brethren Village was truly Annemarie’s home for the past 20 years where she volunteered in the chapel, garden club and Village Store while always finding time to visit friends who needed a smile and a bit of cheerful news to brighten their day. She was also proud to be a member of the Brethren Village “Silver and Grey Mermaids” synchronized swimming squad. She last performed in their holiday show at age 101.
Family and friends will fondly remember Annemarie’s love of the Christmas season when her apartment was filled with her collection of unique angels. To Annemarie, 102 was just a number. She embraced each day with joy, optimism and boundless energy for life’s adventures.
Annemarie is survived by her son, L. Kent Strickler (Rosemary Coverly) of East Petersburg; daughter, Annelouise “Pinky” Adee of Conshohocken; brother, Heinz J. Heinemann of Newtown; grandchildren, Jeannemarie Adee, John H. Adee (Colleen), Judith Adee Leppek (David), Elizabeth R. Strickler, Laura E. Strickler (Mark Davies); and great grandchildren, Abigail, Anais, Alana, Aria, J.T., Jorgi, Jameson, Dorothy and Daphne. She was predeceased by her sister, Dora H. Rehm.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, corner of Duke and Walnut Streets, Lancaster, PA on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. J. William Lentz, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Kent E. Kroehler officiating. Friends are invited to visit the family in the Chapel at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Private interment will be held at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Annemarie’s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17602, or the Lancaster YWCA, 110 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.