Marilou B. Strathern

Marilou Battista Strathern, age 87, wife of James Joseph Strathern, died suddenly at home on August 25, 2022. Born on December 14, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, Marilou was the daughter of Joseph “Pipp” and Margaret (née Chiocchio) Battista. She was the oldest in her family, with two adoring brothers, Joseph Jr. (Barbara) and Deacon Bruce Battista (Anna).

She attended Notre Dame Academy, where she served as senior class president, graduating in 1952. She then attended Notre Dame College. Upon her graduation in 1956, she worked as a gym teacher for the Cleveland Public Schools.

Following their wedding in 1959, Marilou and Jim resided in Euclid, where they made their home, started their family, and nurtured a strong, loving marriage of 63 years. The family then moved to Chesterland, where they enjoyed the company of their new neighbors who became lifelong friends in Shadow Hill. Marilou then designed her dream home just down the road, where she lived with Jim for the rest of her life.

Marilou’s greatest legacy is the love she had for her children; Maureen Graham (Phillip), James Strathern, Jr. (Shelly), Terese Strathern Misencik, David Strathern, M.D. (Kari), John Strathern (Samantha), and son-in-law, James Misencik. She was a devoted grandmother (or as many called her “Mammalou”) to Caitlin Strathern Broward (Rich), Mandee Dmitruk, Joshua and Matthew Misencik, Alexandra Graham, Nicholas Misencik (Jacqueline), Francesca, Luciana, and Domenica Strathern, as well as a loving great-grandmother to Antoinette and Michael; dear sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt and friend of many.

After spending 20 years raising and caring for her children, Marilou returned to teaching at St. Anselm Catholic School. She served as the physical education and computer teacher there for many years.

In 2007, she began working in the Mission Advancement Office of the Sisters of Notre Dame, where she participated in and coordinated their volunteer efforts for over 20 years within the SND Center and through the annual BBQ. Marilou was recognized in April of 2022 at their Partner in Mission celebration for the energy and enthusiasm she exhibited during her many years of service

Marilou was devoted to her loving husband, Jim, and her family. She enjoyed painting in watercolor, working puzzles, reading, following the Cleveland sports teams, and her family’s annual Hilton Head vacation.

Marilou’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life and an inspiration to all she met. This faith was exemplified by her daily mass attendance and commitment to a strong prayer life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 10:30 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marilou on Monday, August 29 from 4pm-8pm at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND, 12811 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Road).

Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory.