SANDY POINT – Constance Brewer Armstrong, 84, died June 30, 2010, at Waldo County Hospital, Belfast, after a long battle with emphysema. She was born Aug. 3, 1925, in Cortland, N.Y., daughter of Donald and Laura (Stilson) Brewer. Connie received her Associate of Arts degree in aviation from Stephens College, Columbia, Mo., in 1946. She moved to New York City after graduation and worked for American Airlines for two years before marrying Lewis Sumpter Armstrong in 1949. While supporting her husband’s many career moves, Connie successfully raised four children during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s with grace. For this she deserves a medal and her children’s eternal gratitude. Connie was known by family and friends to be gracious and inventive. She could host an elegant dinner party for 30 as easily as creating a portable fish tank out of a thermos chug to transport the family goldfish, Sam, when moving from New Jersey to Missouri. As a volunteer in Missouri, she headed a statewide committee responsible for initiating the first child abuse laws. She was presented the Governor’s Service Award in 1969 for her volunteer work with teens on drugs. She was a woman of many talents and an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. She blew glass; painted with oils; worked with wood, marquetry and leather; had the first IBM personal computer in 1982; tracked stocks; played with her Apple iPod touch at 84; was an active volunteer; an excellent golfer; could fix anything with duct tape and a piece of string; and could make you laugh until you cried. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong retired to Sandy Point in the early 1990s, where they were welcomed into a community of good friends and neighbors. She was known as the “hippest grandmother” around. Lew and Connie were grateful for all the support and help they received in their later years from their neighbors. Connie is survived by her four children, Martha Armstrong Stamp of Sandy Point, Richard Ainslie Armstrong of Vancouver, Wash., Carolyn Armstrong Horn of Camden and Lewis Donald Armstrong of Sandy Point; grandchildren, Laura Stamp Luff, Melinda Lee Stamp, Adam William Stamp, Joanna Therese Armstrong, Jonathan Lewis Armstrong, William Armstrong Horn, April Beth Armstrong, Henry Donald Armstrong and John Fanders Armstrong; and great-grandchildren, Jamika and Rashawn Wright, and Daniel and Annabelle Luff. A graveside service for family and friends will be held 10 a.m. July 31 at Sandy Point Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Ladies Aid of Sandy Point Congregational Church, P.O. Box 21, Sandy Point, ME 04972. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
CONSTANCE BREWER ARMSTRONG
