Carol Ann Strasser

Carol Ann (Oliveri) Strasser, age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 28,  2018 surrounded by her family in Wilmington, Delaware. Carol was born on November 8, 1944 in New York City to Salvatore and Santa Maria (Fontana) Oliveri.  

She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, NJ and was proud to be a part of her family’s science tradition as a hospital Medical Technologist at Monmouth County Medical Center, NJ.

During that period she met and married Burt Strasser of New Orleans, LA on April 15, 1973 and taught him how to do northern things like ski and make snow angels. When their growing family moved to Wilmington Delaware in 1980 she always talked about returning to her time there at the Jersey Shore and being closer to her extended family.

While she never moved back to NJ, she bloomed where she was planted. She shepherded her own three kids through the education system, then used what she had learned to help other children. Carol worked tirelessly as an education advocate and spent years on the board of the Newark, DE Chapter of CHADD, an all volunteer run organization for children and adults with ADD.

Carol and Burt also found family and callings through their church communities of St Mary’s of the Assumption and Resurrection Parish. Carol was one of the founding members of the Just Faith program at Resurrection Parish, bringing not only charity but justice to her community and beyond.  There are too many more amazing things about Carol to list here. We hope you join us to share even more stories.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband Burt, her children, Lisa and husband, Brendan McCracken, Mark and wife, Diane Strazzer, Eric Strasser and her grandchildren Jude, Ben and Brianna, her brother, Michael and wife, Faye Oliveri, sister, Linda and husband, Manny Fernandes, and beloved nieces and nephews. She was never happier than when we were all together. The Strasser family would like to especially thank Gale Webster, her closest friend and companion for the last two years, and the staff at the Lorelton assisted living and Seasons Palliative Care.  Family, friends and anyone whose life Carol has touched are invited to celebrate her life and spirit. We welcome you to bring pictures and stories to share.

Visitation hours for family and friends will be Thursday, January 3, from  6-8 PM at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone, Rd., Pike Creek, Wilmington, DE 19808.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12 noon on Friday, January 4 at Resurrection Parish, 3000 Videre Dr,, Wilmington, DE 19808.

Carol will be returned home to her family in New Jersey for burial the morning of Saturday, January 5 at Holy Cross Cemetery North Arlington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers we invite those who loved Carol to make a donation in her name to the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, NJ. More importantly, remember Carol by calling and visiting family who might be far from you and hug and believe in the small children in your life.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Ann Strasser, please visit our floral store.