Obituary: Mackenzie Marie Strickland

WATERVILLE – Mackenzie Marie Strickland, 27, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home with her family by her side. Mackenzie was born in Augusta on Oct. 16, 1996, the daughter of Kevin and Nancy (Brawn) Strickland. Later Mackenzie happily welcomed her brother Patrick, whom she loved and adored to join our family. On Valentine’s Day 2000, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Throughout her life she needed support, and we met many special people along the way to help her. In 2004, Mackenzie received a pool from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was gifted a party at our home and the entertainment was provided by her favorite singer, Rick Charrett. Mackenzie attended Waterville public schools and she graduated in 2016. Mackenzie participated in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Go Girls, and enjoyed having fun with her friends. Mackenzie attended Pine Tree Camp where they had some of her favorite activities like swimming, boating, canoeing, dancing, sitting around the campfire, and watching fireworks. She had the time of her life! Mackenzie attended “Night to Shine”, a dance in honor of special needs adults. She would proudly take her tiara and walk down the red carpet, with a ginormous smile as she danced the night away! Mackenzie also attended Goodwill Lifeworks, an adult day program. They took her bowling, shopping, and other fun activities, but her favorite activity was swimming. Visitation will be held June 30, 2024, at 2 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 3 p.m., at CenterPoint Community Church, 155 West River, Waterville. A reception will follow. Mackenzie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who have been involved in one way or another in her life. You helped her to enjoy her life to the fullest and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We miss you and love you, Miss Mackenzie Lou Who. Please visit Mackenzie’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/mackenzie-strickland where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.