Theodora "Teddy" Strates, 86, passed away Sunday at Paoli Hospital surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Born in Elmira, NY, the daughter of James E. and Mabel Strates, Teddy's father was a Greek immigrant of proud Spartan descent who came to America in 1909. In 1932, he founded the James E. Strates Shows that remains today America's only railroad carnival. As a child, the young Ms. Strates often traveled the eastern seaboard by train with her family and the show's caravan of hundreds of carnival workers and entertainers. These early life experiences and caring spirit drove her life-long passion of helping those in need.

Teddy attended Harpur College, married and had 4 children in Binghamton, NY. In 1990, she moved to the Philadelphia area where she devoted her life to her family, friends, and church. Teddy was a very spiritual individual deeply involved in several spiritual movements, including the Charismatic Renewal, Divine Will, Holy Love, and the Divine Mercy. She was especially devoted to the message of Divine Mercy. To her it was a soothing rain on her wounded heart. She discovered that God can take our darkness and pour His light into us.

Teddy made yearly pilgrimages to the shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. She focused on the message of Divine Mercy and performing works of mercy for the sick and dying in Adoration Chapels. She was instrumental in the formation of several of the Eucharistic Apostle of Devine Mercy (EADM) cenacles at parishes throughout the Delaware County area.

Teddy was deeply committed to helping others and had a special ability to sense the need for support and love and provide it without question or expectations. Above all, Teddy will be remembered most for the unconditional love for her family and the joy she brought to the lives of all who knew her.

She was pre-deceased by two sisters, Elizabeth Alexander and Onalee Jones.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons, Jay (Carolyn) Nemia of Fort Myers, FL, James (Yvette) Nemia of Brooklyn, NY, and Frank (Debbie) Nemia of Downingtown, PA, and daughter Robin (Jim) Gregory of New York City. She will be especially missed by her grandchildren Elizabeth, Christopher, Jenna, Rachel, Dillon, Moriah, Courtney, Isaiah, Nathan, and Mia and great grandchildren Liam and Austin. Her passing is deeply mourned by her twin brother E. James Strates, and by Frank Nemia, father of her children.

VISITATION: Friday evening from 6-8pm and Saturday from 8:45-9:45am at the Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, Ltd., 5980 Chichester Ave., Aston, PA. FUNERAL MASS: Saturday at 10:30am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Rd., Glen Mills, PA. A brief graveside committal service will be held Saturday, August 20th at 11:30am at Riverhurst Cemetery, 2500 E. Main St., Endwell, NY. In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com.

Service Location St. Thomas The Apostle Church Get Directions

Begins: Aug 13, 2016 10:30am - 11:15am

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Cemetery Location Riverhurst Cemetery Get Directions

Aug 20, 2016 11:30am - 11:45am

2500 E. Main St. Endwell, NY 13760 Condolences