Ethel Loh Strickarz – 64 – of 880 North Almond Valley Rd, Arkport, NY (Town of Almond), also of Bradford, NY transitioned from this life on Wednesday afternoon (July 23, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.
Born in New York City on November 7, 1949, she was the beloved daughter of Huan Swee & Nelly (Liu) Loh.
Ethel grew up in Forest Hills, Queens NYC and was a graduate of Forest Hills High School class of 1965. She was a graduate of Monroe Community College in Rochester and later attended the University of Buffalo and worked in the Human Services Health Field for the majority of her life.
Ethel began working for Arc of Steuben in February, 1981 and was very instrumental in helping Arc of Steuben grow into what it is today. She was employed there for 29 years and retired from Arc in August, 2013 due to ill health. At the time of her retirement she held the position of Director of Development. She found love, joy and satisfaction in helping those who were developmentally disabled and less fortunate
She was an extremely artistic and talented person who expressed her creativity through doll making, painting, poetry and jewelry design. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, spending time with her family and being outdoors.
She was preceded in death by her father, Huan Swee Loh who died in 1985.
She was married on October 28, 1979 (34 ½ years) to David Strickarz who survives. Also surviving are her son, Daemian Friedman of Springwater, NY; her mother, Nelly Loh of Arkport; 1 brother, Raymond Loh of Canisteo; 1 sister, Eileen (Leon) Loh-Fontier of Dresden, NY; 1 granddaughter, Katie (Sean) FitzPatrick; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
At Ethel’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Her wish was to be cremated and, at a scheduled time to be announced, provide an opportunity for family members and close friends to celebrate her life.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Ethel’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Arc of Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810 or click here to print a form.
It can be said of few people, but you Ethel were one of them…you touched lives in a way that left us feeling better about ourselves. To my neighbor, my friend and someone whom I could go a long time without seeing and yet see again as though no time had passed, I will miss you but when I see you again there will again be no time that will have passed. To you, sweet friend, I am blessed to have been in your shadow.
good bye to a lovely talented lady i met briefly but i enjoyed alot – much sympathy to family she leaves behind
Ethel truly touched the lives of many – including mine. She was an inspiration to me professionally and personally. Until we meet again – fly high, my friend.
Nous sommes tous touchés par la perte d’une personne, que celà nous touche de près ou pas, c’est toujours déroutant d’affronter ce genres de situations. Toutes nos condoléances.
Anne , Nino, Alec et Delia
Ethel was a beautiful person, inside and out. Her artistic and creative talent never ceased to amaze me. A stunning woman, she was full of grace. Her compassion and passion for individuals with developmental disabilities was evident in the work she did for the Arc of Steuben. Her efforts will live forever in the lives of the people served by this wonderful organization. While I often worked with Ethel on projects for the Arc, my fondest memories will be those of our friendship. She meant so much to everyone in our family and we all loved her dearly. Our deepest sympathy to her family and all of those who loved her. Her loss is tragic for everyone.
Ethel was an amazing and talented lady..funny and a ray of sunshine and laughter at shows… She was a pillar of strength for me as we fought cancer together..Always encouraging me…
All our love as you watch over all your loved ones from heaven…