Death Announced of Nancy Cass Strohla, Lifelong Learner Who Cultivated Connections
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Nancy “Nan” Cass Strohla, of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born Oct. 28, 1933, in East Orange, N.J., Nancy was the daughter of Robert and Doris Cass. On June 18, 1955, she married Leroy “Lee” V. Strohla Jr. Together they shared a rich life filled with sailing, crabbing off the dock, entertaining, lively games of bridge, and a deep mutual love of reading. Lee predeceased Nancy in 1996.
Nancy cherished the moments she spent with her family. She is survived by her daughter, Patti Strohla of Vermont; her son, Peter Strohla and his wife, Lori; her grandchildren, Patrish (VT), Nicholas, Cameron, Shelby and Aubrey, Emily; her great-granddaughter, Sierra; her brother, John William “Billy” Cass of New Jersey; and her sister-in-law, Margaret Strohla D’Aquila and her husband, Tom, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her twin sister, Pat Cass, and her brother, Robert “Spike” Cass, Jr., both of Cape Cod. Her sister-in-law, Sharon Stella Cass of New Jersey, passed away shortly after Nancy.
A lifelong learner with an enduring curiosity, Nancy’s love of teaching, literacy, and reading shaped both her career and her community involvement. Known for her dry, quick wit, she delighted in spirited games of bridge, attending the theater, and cooking and entertaining for friends and family. Her gift for fostering meaningful connections carried through her teaching years and into lasting friendships throughout her life.
Deeply invested in the well-being of her community and environment, Nancy tended her gardens with care and was a longtime member of the Duck River Garden Club. She generously gave her time as a literacy tutor, volunteered at the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, and served on several town committees. Through shared interests, a good meal or warm drink, and thoughtful conversation, Nancy offered steady warmth and support to those around her. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 3:30 p.m., and will be immediately followed by a light reception in the Sheffield Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Middlesex Health Hospice or the Old Lyme Land Trust.
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I knew Nancy when I was very young and she would be visiting at Lees Mothers house.
I would be there playing with my Best Friend Margaret, at the time Nancy’s little Sister-in-Law. She was really funny and so nice to be around. Always so pleasent and would joke with Margaret and I.
I know she was a very Special Lady and a great Mom,her children were really Blessed to have had such a Great Mom and Dad.
I can see why she is truly missed by everyone that we’re Lucky to have known her.
She will be missed terribly by our entire family. She was a wonderful sister-In-Law, friend, and Aunt, She was funny, kind, and loving to everyone . We are blessed to have had her in our lives. She will be thought of at each family party and activity, and our hearts will hurt forever.