Patricia Anne Strandell, 88, passed away October17, 2016 unexpectedly at her home in Sebastian, Florida.
She was born on July 14, 1928 in Syracuse, New York to John and Doris Shaver and grew up in Syracuse. Patricia was a graduate of Syracuse University class of 1949 with a degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, at that time she was the only graduating female in the Aeronautical Engineering program. While attending Syracuse University she met her future husband, John R. Strandell. They were married on June 21, 1950 in Syracuse then moved to Seattle, Washington, after a short stay in Seattle they moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut. Before starting a family in Connecticut, Pat survived Bulbar Polio and went on to overcome the effects of Polio to have a successful career in engineering. The family moved from Glastonbury in 1960 to North Palm Beach, Florida, in 1966 they moved to Severna Park, Maryland. Patricia worked at the David Taylor Naval Research and Development Center in Annapolis, Maryland for 25 years having a fulfilling and successful career, considered by many to be a pioneer and example to many women interested in pursuing careers in engineering. After retiring, Pat and Jack relocated to Vero Beach, Florida in 1993 then to Sebastian, Florida in 2004. Patricia was active in genealogy which confirmed she had two direct descendants on the Mayflower and became a member of the Mayflower Society, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband John R. Strandell, brothers Donald Shaver and John Shaver. Pat is survived by her sister Nancy Metzger. Surviving children are; daughter, Amy Broderick (Rick), son, Robert Strandell (Denise). Surviving grandchildren; Jessica Lockhart (Jeff) and Heather Strandell (Frank Watkins). She is also survived by three great-grandchildren; Alyssa Lockhart, Adyson Lockhart and Zoey Watkins. Surviving nieces and nephews include; Kathie Barber, Donna Shaver, Suzanna Nelson, Phil Shaver, and Ken Metzger.
Patricia Strandell’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service with will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans or Autism Speaks in her memory.
Seawinds Funeral Home is honored to serve the Strandell family.
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