Memories of Nancy "Dotti" Rona (Friedman) Stroh

In memory of

Nancy "Dotti" Rona (Friedman) Stroh

Clifton, NJ, USA

March 30, 1949 - December 10, 2020

Mar 30, 1949 - Dec 10, 2020

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Angela Murphy

Think of you often, Nancy…

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Angela Murphy

Think of you often, Nancy…

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Russell Stroh

I will always be thankful for giving us two wonderful and caring daughters, and “Mothered” them into the strong, smart, and caring women. You will live on through them and all they touch. A true “Labor of Love” in the purest sense of the word.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Greyhound Friends of New Jersey.

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Harriet Gruber

Nancy taught me that being a caring clown not only means making patients feel better, but many times family members need some R&R and smiles. She was a great teacher in clowning and had good people skills. That's what made her a great caring clown. I'll miss you Dotti T Harriet a.k.a Sparky

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In response to "What did you learn from Nancy?"

Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Sharon Dellafave

As one of Nancy's former colleagues in education, I learned from her that optimism rules! So many times when Nancy faced challenges either personally or professionally, she maintained such a positive, upbeat attitude that was an inspiration to others. It was, so to speak, infectious as was her beautiful, laughing smile.

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In response to "What did you learn from Nancy?"

Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Doreen Arrigoni

I met Nancy in Turkey right after she retired. She was traveling with Steph and I was solo. Nancy and I hit it off and we started traveling together. We traveled to Israel, Russia, China, Kenya and a number of other places. Nancy was so easy to travel with and it was always an adventure!

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In response to "How did you first meet Nancy?"

Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Thank you all so much for celebrating our mom's beautiful life today. While we are deeply saddened by her sudden and unexpected loss, we take comfort in the joy you all brought to her life and the stories you shared. Below are the links to the slideshow as well as the Zoom recording. Feel free to share them with those who could not be with us today. We encourage you to continue to add memories and photos to this site.

Slideshow: https://bit.ly/38YBMzw
Zoom recording: https://bit.ly/3pIzoDT

With love,
Jessica & Stephanie

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Stephanie Akhter

Jeannie Rudolph

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed.
I am blessed that I had the chance to meet her and become friends. I first met Nancy at a time when she needed a little extra help to walk her sweet dog, Tipper. Whenever I would stop by to walk Tipper or just to visit, your mother always had time to chat. She was truly caring, funny, and always willing to listen. The last time we talked we promised each other we would walk Tipper together after her recovery from upcoming hip replacement and my recovery from back surgery. I am saddened that we cannot keep our promise. Your mother’s kindness and upbeat attitude was contagious and I will keep her memory with me whenever I’m out walking

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Lindsey Goldfaden

Nancy was a special person who led a full life (albeit too brief) complete with love, compassion, family, generosity, excitement and strength. Nancy was eternally positive and incredibly resilient. I spoke to her recently when she was in the hospital experiencing all kinds of restrictions that would make most people’s heads spin. The only reason the restrictions came up at all was because she was explaining that she couldn’t talk for too long since she couldn’t drink any water and her throat was getting a bit dry. This of course preceded a rather lengthy chat. Nancy was a chatter and she could talk and relate to just about anyone about just about anything, ranging from personal matters to travel, to her famous spinach dip recipe. She would listen and engage and provide some wonderful, thoughtful insight. When speaking with Nancy about her life, you might hear mention of Tipper, or Dotti’s latest material, but you would, without fail, have the opportunity to hear about Nancy’s favorite subject and the center of her world...her kids, Jessica, Stephanie and more recently, Umair. Nancy always had new material to share, many valid reasons to be so proud and a sincere way of talking that only served to make the listener share in her pride. Nancy was an outstanding mother who supported but also pushed her girls. She knew that Jessica and Stephanie had grown into intelligent, hard working, strong, independent women with unique, special traits a wonderful relationship with their mother and with each other. Nancy was so excited to meet Stephanie and Umair’s soon-to-be-born baby - she would’ve been the most wonderful grandmother a child could have. Nancy will be forever missed, but I have no doubt that memories of Nancy and her special qualities will live on and be a source of positivity and strength for those she loved.

Love, Lindsey

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Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Comments:

Jessica Stroh

This was absolutely beautiful, Linds. Thank you so much for sharing. She loved her phone calls with you as... Read more This was absolutely beautiful, Linds. Thank you so much for sharing. She loved her phone calls with you as well! This was absolutely beautiful, Linds. Thank you so ... Read more

Dianne Gallick

Wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you on Nancy’s passing. She was truly a caring, giving and loving strong woman, who was always willing to extend her helping hand or ear wherever she was needed. Extremely proud of her girls and their accomplishments, she will always be with you in your heart. DianneGallick (Building 5)

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Paul-Debbie McNamara

She always got the last word, except when going toe to toe (in good humor) with Paul resulting in many good laughs. She will leave a huge void in our community, in our building (especially planning our monthly birthday socials) and in our hearts. We have lost a good friend.

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In response to "What did you learn from Nancy?"

Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Harriet Gruber

In 2015 I joined Call us Clowns where Nancy was one of the teachers. She told me that caring clown's job was to bring smiles to patients and family, to listen to people tell about their lives, to make people feel good with humor, jokes, magic and always listening to them speak without a word being said. She taught me to put my makeup on correctly, and find a persona that fits my clown personality. I became Sparky, and Nancy would always guide me in the right direction. Thank you Nancy for giving me the best tools to be the best clown I can be. These tools have helped me during this pandemic and in my own life. You'll always be in my heart. Peace to you and peace to your family. Harriet

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Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Megan Mostecki

2019

Millie’s 100th birthday party

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Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Jane Boyett

Megan Mostecki

Nancy was one of my dad’s many, many cousins. We are a family of cousins and Nancy was always one of my favorite cousins to see. She was always full of warmth and happiness. She was always so genuinely interested in hearing about whatever was going on in my life. She loved to talk and share. I’m so thankful for the efforts we made as a family to see each other, never frequently enough; but our celebrations were always full of fun, laughter, and good food! The “cousin picture” was the best, and I’m so glad we always squished together to take that pic. Nancy, you were so loved and will be so missed.

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Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Jane Boyett

Bob D'Amico

Nancy taught me caring clowning is both serious and fun. Its serious in that our mission is to bring smiles, happiness and some joy to others who may be in situations that aren't so joyous or happy ie; ill in a hospital or nursing home. She also taught me what we do is a fun way to lift people's spirits, if only for a brief moment. Nancy took clowning seriously and had fun doing it. She tried to pass that on to all of us.

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In response to "What did you learn from Nancy?"

Jessica Stroh

Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

2014

Aunt Millie’s 95th Birthday Party

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Megan Mostecki

Stephanie Akhter

Darlene Barlettano

Nancy was not only my neighbor but a wonderful friend. I will always remember her as smiling and upbeat. Whether volunteering or out with friends, she was always doing something. One of the things I loved about Nancy was that she was a vibrant and “independent woman” in the true sense of the word. Through her many trials and tribulations she never complained, just picked herself up and chose to live life to the fullest. We shared many memories about Jess and Steph who were her world and she was thrilled about becoming a Grandma.

I will miss seeing her and our phone calls whether catching up on all of the gossip or just making small talk. Gone too soon. May you Rest In Peace Nancy.

Deepest condolences,
Darlene Barlettano.

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Whitney Bernard

Linda Pabian

Ramsey, NJ, USA

I have many wonderful stories I can share with you but I will share one. First you must know I’m scared of clowns.
I was having lunch with my niece Stephanie and we were waiting in line at a gourmet deli to order. Nancy couldn’t join us as she had a clown gig.
I turned around to get a table and peeking around the isle was “Dotti”. All I can think of her beautiful smile she downsize her outfit by taking off her wig.

My first lunch with a clown🥰🤡
Love Aunt Linda

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Whitney Bernard

Steve Beigel

I first met Nancy as we were both clowning in a parade. She was new to clowning, but very enthusiastic and giving. She shared of herself and was always patient and caring. Those who knew your Mom were better for it. Focus on all the good memories and experiences, and hold her close. She will be missed.

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Whitney Bernard

Bob D'Amico

Dear Jess and Steph, please accept my sincere condolences. Your Mom was a warm, caring person and a joy to be with. She was a key member of Call Us Clowns and our alley was better because of her. You Mom may not be with you in person but she'll walk beside both of you every day. She may not be seen but she'll always be there. May she rest in peace.
Bob "Meatball" D'Amico

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Stephanie Akhter

Jessica Stroh

Natasha Sayer

2019

It meant so much to me to have your mom at our wedding. She always lit up a room with her smile.

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Stephanie Akhter

Kitty Bradley

Jessica Stroh

Alissa Holmes

2012

I’ll never forget this day we spent at your Mom’s after picking apples. She was always so warm, kind, welcoming and most of all, willing to put up with all our shenanigans! Her fun-loving spirit lives on in you and your son and she will always be with you ❤️🍎

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Stephanie Akhter

Kitty Bradley

Jessica Stroh

John Pankowicz

2013

The best part of caring clowning! Dotti T. Clown & A. Dori Belle in pediatrics.

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Stephanie Akhter

Kitty Bradley

Jessica Stroh

John Pankowicz

If there's anything more difficult than herding cats, it's herding clowns! As organizer of our show group and our gig bookings, Nancy always took it all in stride.

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Stephanie Akhter

Kitty Bradley

Jessica Stroh

John Pankowicz

2017

"How will you clown with your broken foot?" "No Problem! What a terrific prop!"

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Maureen Arscott

Stephanie Akhter

Kitty Bradley

Jessica Stroh

Comments:

Maureen Arscott

This is a great picture! It shows Nancy's true personality! All smiles and nothing will stop her! This is a great picture! It shows Nancy's true personality! All smiles and nothing will stop her! This is a great picture! It shows Nancy's true personality!... Read more