ALBANY – Clara Rita Armstrong, 81, of Albany, Thompson’s Lake and Cocoa Florida, died unexpectedly on July 15, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. Mrs. Armstrong was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Veronika (Matuszewski) Piskorski.
Clara attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School, Villa Maria High School and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She then attended the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) where she earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. In 1953 she married her true soul mate and husband, Dr. John P. Armstrong, who passed away April 3rd of this year. They were in their 60th year of marriage.
In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Armstrong enjoyed her career as a school psychologist and Director of Special Education in the Cohoes City Schools and the Chatham School District. Following retirement in 1995 she enjoyed her time with her husband and family at their homes in Albany, Thompson’s Lake and Cocoa, Florida. She treasured her time with her two children, pet parrot and the family dog “Tanner”. Other interests included painting, sewing, and in more recent years using the computer and the internet.
Clara is survived by her children John C. Armstrong, and his wife, Ann, of Mims, Florida, and Dr. Kathleen Armstrong Bernhard, and her husband, John Bernhard, Esq, of Glen Lake, NY.
Clara Armstrong will be remembered at a memorial graveside service on Saturday July 20, 2013 at 10:00am at the St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend as Clara and John Armstrong are reunited once again. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hudson Mohawk Humane Society (Care of Ms. Nancy Haynes), 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY. 12204 would be appreciated. To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
John and Connie Smith
July 17, 2013 at 8:08 pmKathy and John, and John and Ann –
We are heartbroken for you. Your Mom was a beautiful lady. We’re so glad we were able to meet her. I know that she felt your deep love and knew how much you cared for her. This must be so, so difficult for your to bear. God knows your sorrow, even though we don’t understand some of His ways. Please get in touch with us when you get back home. I’m really at a loss for words, but we are here for you.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Mark & Nancy Rutecki
July 18, 2013 at 8:13 amDear John, Kathy & Family,
Condolences & Heartfelt Sympathy through this very difficult time. Your Mom was a truly amazing individual, as was your Dad. They will live forever in our hearts. We will see them again someday.
Love, Kisses & Hugs,
Mark & Nancy
Bonnie Wieder
July 18, 2013 at 9:25 amKathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing.I know you are going to miss her terribly. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that your parents are together again. Her legacy lives on in you and the work you do to make the world a better place. I am there for you whenever you need me.
Bonnie
Patti & John MicGlire
July 18, 2013 at 6:04 pmDear Kathy and Family,
There are no words that may express the sadness felt at the loss of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Angela Montalbano
July 18, 2013 at 6:31 pmDear John, Ann, Kathy and John,
I am very sorry for the sudden loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful and kind woman. I will miss our conversations at the lake, and she was always so interested in our and our children’s lives. She will be greatly missed by us all, but know that she is now happily with your dad once again.
Love, Angela, Chris, Nick and Tori
Bobby and Bing Bernhard
July 18, 2013 at 10:09 pmDearest Kathy,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother, and i am praying that your Faith will give you Strength in this difficult time. Lots of Love, Bobby and Bing.
Terry and Glenn Begly
July 19, 2013 at 4:31 amDear Kathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Terry and Glenn
Jackie Hazlett
July 19, 2013 at 5:50 amDearest Kathy & John,
My heart breaks for you at the loss of your mom. She left you too quickly and now is resting in the loving arms of your father.
Much love, especially at this difficult time, Jackie
Pat Barden
July 19, 2013 at 10:32 amJohn & Ann,
I am so very sorry to read about the sudden loss of your mom, John.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Pat
Katy Seeley & Family
July 19, 2013 at 3:54 pmKathy & John,
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
We are praying for strength in these moments that are so hard to understand.
As we read the obituary we can see where you will follow the footsteps of your parents. Please be assured they were so proud of all your accomplishments and they loved you more than anyone could ever express to you..
If we can do anything please know we are here for you and John.
Love & Prayers,
Katy Seeley & Family
Ed franks
July 19, 2013 at 7:07 pmKathy,
so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. my condolences. passages in life.
ed
Jane and Milton Klarsfeld and family
July 21, 2013 at 6:19 pmDear Kathy and John,
The Klarsfeld family was sad to read about both your Mom and Dad. We have fond memories of all of you from our Harding Street days.
We pray that all will be well with you. You will be in our prayers.
Jane, Milton, Jerry, Pam, Debbie, Ted, Leslie and Laurie
gordon fitting
July 22, 2013 at 5:47 amI worked with your mom and will always remember her cheery smile and the stories she shared daily. My deepest sympathies are extended to you.
Mary Ann Dal Porto
August 13, 2013 at 12:06 amI just read your Mom’s Obituary on the internet. I am so sorry for your loss just 3 months after your Dad. As you must know Mimi ( your grandmother ) raised me my first 9 years and your Dad was my brother in my mind. Your Mom was this beautiful woman that he loved so much. We recently were in touch and your Mom told me when your Dad died. I wondered why I had not heard from her. I was hoping to see them before they passed away. I will cherish my memories of them! Mary Ann Cowley-Dal Porto