Carol Strong Daidone

Carol Strong Daidone-On May 16, 2016, after a long illness, our dear, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend was called home to our Lord. Carol was born in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 26, 1943 to Mary Rachel (Eckenrode) and Major James C. Strong, MD, both of whom preceded her in death. Carol will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. In her entire life, Carol never met a stranger. Her warmth and friendliness drew everyone toward her like a magnet as she made friends so easily and enjoyed all who she came to know. Just to know her was to fall in love with those blue eyes and heart melting smile. Even in her last days, her beautiful smile came so freely to anyone who was around her. If there was a party, Carol was either giving it or right in the middle of it. She loved the beach, especially 30A and Watersound. She loved to watch the ponies run at the track, but there was nothing she loved better than spending time with her children and grandchildren. Whether it was playing Hollywood Run with the kids or Words with Friends with whoever signed on, she was happy. Carol was a 1964 graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Art Education. She was a Daughter of the Republic of Texas as well as a Daughter of the American Revolution as she could trace her ancestry back to two men who fought in several Revolutionary War battles. Carol is survived by her husband of 35 years, Frank and her four children: Ron (Gerritt) Whittaker, Jill (John Christian) Halsell, both of Little Rock, Ark., Jon (Amanda) Whittaker of Rogers, Ark. and Karen Daidone of Scottsdale, Ariz. She adored her six grandchildren: Abby and Finn Whittaker, Blake and Davis Halsell and Eva and Kellan Whittaker. Carol is also survived by three sisters: Nancy (Barry) Chamberlain, Rachel (Harry) Pitt and Marjorie (Ron) Leonard, all of Virginia. Carol, we will all miss you so terribly; but we're comforted knowing that you'll be waiting for us in Heaven with a glass of chardonnay in your hand. Rest in peace sweetheart until we're together again. Family will receive friends at the home of Jill and J.C. Halsell on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 6 p.m. A Mass in celebration of Carol's life will be held at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Carefree, Ariz. on June 25, 2016.