Nadine A. (Caine) Strahs

Nadine Strahs (nee Caine), formerly of Ludlow, MA and Gulfport., FL passed away at age 85, June 13, 2026 at the Atrium Facility in Agawam, Massachusetts. She was preceded by her husband Martin Strahs (d. 2014), and by her first husband, John S. Tooker and her brother Charles Edward Caine. She leaves behind sister Barbara Caine, and brother John Caine. Nadine also leaves a loving family that includes her three children Debbie (Steve) Alban of FL, John Tooker- Colalillo (Marco) of NJ, and Nadine (Rich) Porfilio of Feeding Hills, MA. In addition she has eight grandchildren Jonathan Tooker (Lauren), Diona Alban (Tony), Kayla Busse (Jacob), Zachary Tooker (Erica), Amelia Tooker (Jax), G Tooker-Colalillo, Richard Porfilio (Taylor), Alissa Dean (Tim), and six great- grandchildren, Jacob II and Nova (Busse), and Aiden, Bentley and Alexis (Tooker), and Josephine (Tooker) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

Nadine Caine was born to the late Edward R. And Mary Nadine (nee Balko) Caine in Manhattan, New York. She was a war baby and raised at a time when men were away and women were expected to be strong, resourceful, and resilient, and that is what Nadine became. She was a strong willed, fiercely determined, passionately loyal young girl. That young girl became the beautiful, beloved woman whose strength, passion, and perseverance shaped and affected four generations of family, friends, and strangers.

Soon after Nadine’s birth, the family moved to Norwalk, Connecticut and Nadine was joined by a sister (Barbara), and brothers (Charles Edward) and (John). As the eldest, Nadine took the lead in contributing to the welfare, safety, and advancement of her siblings often babysitting, instructing, consoling, and working part-time after school and on weekends. She enjoyed learning and graduated from Norwalk High School. In these younger years she also enjoyed tennis, golf, and bowling, embracing both competition and camaraderie and we cannot forget her love of horses and animals.

At nineteen, Nadine was married to John Tooker, moved to Springfield, Massachusetts then to nearby Longmeadow where she raised her own beloved family of Debbie, John, and Nadine. Though raising three children and trying to stretch every dime, she somehow managed to provide for her children, family, friends, neighbors, and whatever needy cause touched her heart. Her budgeting became a miracle of finance and creativity that should be a course study in higher education. After her union with John ended, Nadine relied on her inner strength and resourcefulness to continue growing and nurturing. She acquired employment at the Third National Bank and OBGYN Associates in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Eventually, she met her second husband, Martin Strahs, and they created new adventures traveling the world, experiencing new cultures and climates. These two seemed to be made for each other. Together they enjoyed the spirit of adventure with travel, golf, theater, lectures, music, and probably their favorite – dancing. Wherever there was joy and laughter, they were either in the middle of it, or not far behind. Her happy place was Gulfport FL, where she resided in her later years.

Nothing gave her greater happiness than having her family together. She was the heart of countless gatherings, hosting large parties, memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations filled with love, laughter and of course, delicious food in abundance along with her traditional apricot sours (wouldn’t be a party without them!) Her kindness and generosity in giving her time, resources, compassion and spirit were an endless source of heartfelt gratitude and amazement to all those on the receiving line. And the line had no limit.

Many cherished memories were made at Red Rose in Springfield, where warmth, laughter, and love were always part of the menu. Her “joie de vivre” was wonderfully contagious. For those fortunate enough to know her, her love of life and laughter will always be part of our conscience memory. Her empathy, sense of right and wrong, principles, love of family and ability to forgive and move forward are profound lessons for us all.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at The Atrium in Agawam, Massachusetts for the compassion and care they provided. We are also especially thankful to the hospice team whose kindness, support and dedication ensured her final days were peaceful and comfortable.

While we are deeply saddened, we are comforted by the lifetime of wonderful memories she leaves with us to linger on and cherish.

There will be a private graveside service held on Wednesday the 24th at 11am in the Island Pond Cemetery, Center Street, Ludlow, Mass. Donations in Nadine’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc.