Marcia D. Strickland

Marcia Dines Strickland, born June 1, 1932, died in her home July 26, 2026. She was the youngest of four children of Marie Eaton Dines and Eugene Dines. 

The toughness that she acquired from growing up with three older brothers lasted her entire life. A fourth generation Coloradan, she loved the outdoors, including fly fishing, skiing, and horseback riding, but her passions were piano and tennis. After attending the Kent School in Denver, she graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, and Smith College. 

After graduation, she returned to Denver, and married John Bermingham. They had three children: John Jr., Kate, and Andrew. Marcia and John divorced in 1966, and Marcia married Jerome (Joe) Strickland in 1969, instantly acquiring two additional children, John and Kat Strickland. She handled the challenges of a merged family with grace, firmness, and humor. 

In addition to her love of music, she was an avid reader, and traveled and volunteered extensively: She interviewed prospective students for Smith College, read to disadvantaged kids, served as probation counsellor for the Denver County Courts, taught and assisted at impoverished schools and an orphanage in Cuba and Peru. She served on the alumnae board at Smith, and on the boards of Graland and Fountain Valley Schools, and the Aspen Music Festival. Marcia enjoyed cooking, and she and Joe loved to host themed dinner parties (for example, asparagus in every dish, including dessert). 

She also enjoyed the Wednesday Music Party, Odd Lots investment group, and weekly bridge games with her friends. Marcia loved animals, particularly horses, dogs (especially golden retrievers), and above all, pigs; her houses were filled with pigs of all sizes and shapes. She had countless friends, and was gracious to everybody. Always curious, she stayed abreast of current events, and wanted to know what was happening in everyone’s lives, especially their plans for dinner. 

She was preceded in death by both John Bermingham, Sr. and Joe Strickland, and by her son Andrew. Marcia will be sorely missed by all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Colorado Symphony, or to Compassion and Choices.