Anita J. Strahs

With Sadness following a long illness, Anita Jane Strahs (Poeltl) born March 18, 1948, left this Earth Wednesday March 5, 2025 in Summerville, SC where she called home for nearly three years. Survived by her loving husband, Thomas W. Strahs. Mother of Karl Thomas (deceased), Eric C. Strahs (wife Elizabeth) of Richmond, VA, and Ryan D. Strahs of Simpsonville, SC .Grandmother (NeeNee) to Karl Hunter Strahs, Lucy Jane Strahs, and Ryan Jessica Strahs. Both of Anita’s parents are deceased. Many friends can share cheerful stories of both her father Emil and mom Claira Poeltl. Sister to Claire Anne Pish of Fayetteville, PA. 

Anita started her journey in Allentown, PA and after attending Allentown Central Catholic High School she graduated from St. Francis School of Medical Technology in Trenton, N.J. .Anita then worked at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton where she met and fell in love with her best friend and husband of 55 years. While living in Londonderry, NH Anita worked in the special needs department of the Londonderry school systems, which began her passion for helping kids. Once settled in South Carolina, Anita worked as a Guardian Ad Litem advocating for children and youth who had experienced abuse or neglect.

Anita laughed often, cheered loudly from the sidelines while never missing an event for the boys and as many as possible for the grandchildren. The boy’s friends fondly knew Anita as, “Da Momma”. Many found entertainment in her always growing collection of kitchen knives, which husband Tom proudly enabled. Anita had an amazing eye for home décor and design, and often helped friends and neighbors in their homes. Anita also truly loved the outdoors and spent many days hiking and gardening, which was exemplified by her amazing gardens she designed and tended to at all the homes over the years .Anita was blessed with travel, having visited over 51 countries and most states of the US in her 76 years, often sharing stories and lessons from these journeys .Anita was a friend to all dogs, and comically often remembered the dogs’ name before the owners. Neighborhood dogs ALWAYS knew where “Da Momma” lived… after all, nobody had better treats .Anita will sadly be missed by so many great friends and will remain fondly in our hearts! Ashes will be spread over her sons’ grave in New Hampshire when the ice and snow start to thaw and the weather permits. A celebration of life will likely be held in Summerville near the end of March, along with an informal celebration in Richmond VA Saturday the 8th. In lieu of flowers, please make a kind donation to a charity that best serves your local community: