Marie “Chris” Stranahan, 83, of Newark, Delaware, passed away in her sleep January 21, 2026, at Cokesbury Village.
Chris was born March 10, 1942, to the late George and Pansy (Jansson) Christiansen of New York. She attended Hunter College and graduated with a degree in Health & Physical Education.
Her 40-year teaching career began at her alma mater, Walton High School, Bronx, New York. Chris left Walton, and moved to Delaware, to teach at Conrad High and Wilmington High, as well as Cab Calloway School of the Arts.
Chris was an active volunteer with The Red Cross of Delmarva for more than 60 years and enjoyed educating students as a Certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, often volunteering to train members / instructors of her favorite organization, the Wilmington Trail Club. The Red Cross honored Chris with its highly prestigious Clara Barton Award after 50 years of service.
She is survived by daughter, Andrea (Carl) Stewart; stepchildren, Deborah Carpenter and her son, Anthony Brodton, and Robert Stranahan, Jr.; sister-in-law, Carol Strannahan and her family; and multiple special cousins, including Mary Dolan of Stamford, CT.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 AM at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations directly to The Red Cross of Delmarva,100 West 10th Street, Suite 401, Wilmington, DE 19801.
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