Obituaries

Barbara M. Armstrong Loved Reading, Volunteering

Services have been scheduled for Barbara M. Armstrong.

Barbara M. Armstrong passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2014 with her loving family by her side. She fought a long, seven-year battle with cancer with courage and a vigorous determination to live.

Barbara was born on June 6, 1936, daughter of the late Homer C. Maxwell and Agnes (Betty) E. Maxwell. She grew up in Wilmette, IL attending Stolp Elementary School and graduated in 1954 from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. She then went on to attend Lake Forest College. She wed William T. (Bill) Armstrong, Jr., a former New Trier classmate, on Sept. 14, 1957. They were married 51 years before Bill passed away in 2008. Barbara and Bill spent their summers at their home in Bridgman, MI. They belonged to the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. Their winters were spent in Florida on their sailboat, "Distant Star."

Barbara loved reading and always belonged to a local book club. She also was a wonderful cook, enjoyed traveling and donated her time as a volunteer to several organizations.

In addition to her beloved husband and best friend, Barbara was preceded in death by her eldest son William T. (Billy) Armstrong, III, in 1972.

She is survived by her children Thomas R. Armstrong of New Bold-on-Stour, England, Elizabeth C. Armstrong-McPhee (Gregg McPhee) of Alpharetta, GA, Kathleen N. Armstrong-Smith (Paul Smith) of Hinsdale, IL and Timothy B. Armstrong of Winter Springs, FL; grandchildren, JackArmstrong of England, Sarah McPhee-Guggia of Salt Lake City, UT, Matthew McPhee of Acworth, GA, Tyler McPhee of Salt Lake City, UT, Chelsea McPhee-Squire of Alpharetta, GA and William Armstrong-Smith of Hinsdale, IL; great-grandchildren, Brendan and Colton McPhee. She is also survived by brother William Maxwell and sister Cherry Maxwell.

A visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at BURNETT-DANE FUNERAL HOME, 120 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, (Route 176, one block West of Milwaukee Avenue) and from 10-11 a.m. prior to funeral service. Funeral to be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 47 Church St., Lake Zurich, IL. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Barrington, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Berrien County Cancer Service (www.bccancerservices.org) would be appreciated. For info: 847-362-3009 or sign the guestbook at burnettdane.com. The children wish to thank their mother for all her love and care she gave to the family but above all for her strength. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed.

—Burnett-Dane Funeral Home provided this information.


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