June 6 1929 – April 18 2019
Mary Joan Armstrong
June 6, 1929 – April 18, 2019
Peacefully in Drummond Hall of the Shannex Retirement Residence, Halifax. Mary Joan Armstrong (Hensman), formerly of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the age of 89. A 1951 graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Mary Joan was a dietitian in Toronto and Montreal working for Lady Eaton. In 1955, she enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a Food Services Officer in Penhold, Alta., until she married her husband, Flying Officer Robert Armstrong. As is the way in a military family, Mary Joan was the «strength behind the uniform», taking care of family, hearts and home during the many postings and deployments in Canada and abroad. Despite frequent moves, home always remained the beloved family cottage in Prince Edward County on the shores of Lake Ontario. In 1971, Mary Joan completed a Bachelor of Education at Acadia University and began a long and successful teaching career. She taught at Melvern Square School in Wilmot, South Woodside School in Dartmouth, and finally, Convent Glen Catholic School in Orleans, Ont. Mary Joan also completed a Certificate in Special Education from the University of Ottawa so she could help all her students learn and advance. While living in Orleans for 37 years, Mary Joan was a dedicated and proud parishioner of Divine Infant Catholic Church and an active member of her community. Beloved wife of Robert George Armstrong. Loved mother of William, Barbara, Heather (John Pickford), Peter and Elizabeth (Paul Douglas). Proud grandmother to Paul (Emily) Logan, Genevieve Jamault, Anna (Sam), Aram and Noah Douglas and great-grandmother to Charles and Daniel Logan. Loved daughter of the late Arthur and Florence (Shannon) Hensman. Dear sister of Desmond (Mary) and the late Johanna Elizabeth and Arthur Leo. Loving Aunt to Mary Anne, Shannon, Matthew and their families. Mary Joan will be remembered for the gifts of joy, kindness, optimism and faith that she shared with family, friends and all she met. She was a remarkable woman, a wonderful role model of independence, strength and courage. Treasured memories of her are forever etched in our hearts. She always radiated light wherever she journeyed. Her love and light will continue to shine through each of us in all that we do and everyone we meet. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all at Shannex Parkland Retirement Residence for the love and care Mary Joan received. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church on Saturday August 24 at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Rev. Fr. Robert Chisholm officiating. If desired, donations can be made in her honour to the Alzheimer Society of Canada: www.alzheimer.ca
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary Joan Armstrong..
Décès pour la Ville:Picton, Province: Ontario