Amity Jones Strandfeldt

Amity Jones Strandfeldt, 70, of Richmond, NH, died suddenly on Thursday, December 28, 2023 in the comfort of her home and with her husband by her side.

Amity was born on November 14, 1953, in Worcester, MA, the daughter of Dr. Samuel B Jones and Barbara Lindquist.  Amity grew up in Worcester and her years in school and subsequent training in childhood education all took place there in Worcester as well.

Her education prepared her for a career in the then burgeoning field of childcare.  During these years, her parents and her six siblings took every opportunity to escape to their summer home in New Hampshire. The “Farm”, as Amity would call it, was full of animals, children, relatives, and neighbors. The Farm was surrounded by fields and wilderness. During these years, the family pursued every available activity and, at any time, Amity could be found, horseback riding, skiing, swimming, boating, hiking or just having fun collecting things in the woods. The house was always a home with an “Open Door”. This was the hallmark of the Jones’s country home.

These early days were the inspiration for her welcoming nature.  In many ways, her childhood experiences helped form the generous person she would become.  The warm care that she gave to so many children and the gracious home life that she would later create were a demonstration of her ideals.

Upon graduation from her schooling in Worcester, she was anxious to move to the Monadnock Region and establish her career, develop her many interests, and continue the friendships that she had established over her years at the farm in Fitzwilliam.  She became well known for hosting occasions and celebrations.  She was always at the center of a large collection of friends. She took pride in bringing people together and being the social organizer of the group. It was during these years that she met her husband and lifelong partner, Bob Strandfeldt.  They were instantly drawn to each other and soon became inseparable.  Their marriage in 1975 marked the beginning of a long and beautiful life together surrounded by their 3 cherished daughters and many grandchildren.

Amity’s life was peppered with family events which she enjoyed sharing with everyone in her circle. She marked every occasion with a proper celebration. No one ever went unrecognized if Amity caught wind of an accomplishment or unforgotten in their time of need. Holidays were festive and were always centered around her children and grandchildren.  Her most joyous times were accompanied by the sound of children playing.

She needed no greater purpose than to nourish her dear family, but, as always, their house was also full of friends, animals, laughter, music, and happiness.  With her spiritual underpinnings and gracious persona, Amity knew how to find and share happiness, no matter the difficulty. 

Amity’s life contained many accomplishments that both she and her family were proud of.  First, among them, was how she exemplified the art of living.  These lessons she passes on to the many people that were blessed enough to know her.  She is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughters, Evlyn, Anya, and Emma DuPaul and her son-in-law Andrew DuPaul; her grandchildren, Sean Faherty, Damhan McKenna-Strandfeldt, Austen Kadlik, Talon Kadlik, Rowen DuPaul, Hazel DuPaul; her siblings, Sister Candace and her husband William Sullivan, brother Ben and his wife Susie Hartman, brother Quentin and his wife Bonnie Mattson, sister Hilary and her husband George Garivaltis, and sister Favour Raitto.  Amity’s parents and her sister Zella died earlier.

At Amity’s request, services will be private and held at a later date.  She will be buried in the Fitzwilliam Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Amity’s favorite charities; “The Shriners” and/or “The Dan Baker Memorial Fund” (c/o the Fitzwilliam Fire Department, PO Box 726, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447.