Nancy Rona (Friedman) Stroh was born on March 30, 1949 in Jersey City, NJ and grew up in Hoboken, NJ. Nancy's first job was working the counter at her family’s restaurant, Gold’s Luncheonette. After graduating from Hoboken High School in 1966, she studied special education and speech correction at Jersey City College where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in education. Nancy belonged to many clubs and was an extremely dedicated student. She then went on to earn her master's degree from New Jersey City University.
Nancy started teaching at Willowbrook State School caring for children with special needs and disabilities, beginning a 38-year career in education. Following her tenure at Willowbrook, she became a special education teacher and guidance counselor at Secaucus High School where she worked for the remainder of her career. Nancy was a mentor to both students and faculty and helped guide many young people into adulthood.
Nancy had two daughters, Jessica Lynne and Stephanie Jill, who she raised in Ramsey, NJ. While Nancy cared deeply for her students, motherhood was the job she took most seriously. She was determined to raise her girls to become strong independent women which meant knowing exactly when to be tough and when to be gentle.
Nancy retired in 2009, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She was committed to living an adventurous and full life despite her health obstacles. Nancy traveled the world and reinvented herself as a volunteer caring clown named Dotti. She was an active member of the clown alley, and also served as vice president, booker, producer, and mentor to new clowns. Nancy also adopted a rescue greyhound named Tipper whom she loved dearly. Nancy and Tipper moved to Clifton, NJ in 2012 and became active members of the community.
In addition to being very close to her family, Nancy formed and maintained life-long friendships. She was extremely social and enjoyed going to shows and sharing meals with family and friends on a regular basis.
Nancy is sorely missed by so many, including her first grandchild who was born just a few weeks after her passing and named in her memory (Naveen). Her spirit, sense of humor, zest for life, and compassion for those around her live on in all of us and in those who have been given the gift of life through her heroic donation.
