1957 - 2013
A Memorial Mass for Catherine A. “Cathy” Armstrong, 55, Lawrence will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. She passed away peacefully on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Pioneer Ridge surrounded by her family. Her struggle with cancer has now ended with a glorious victory in Heaven.
Cathy was born on July 31, 1957 in Houston, TX, the daughter of Richard and Nancy (Hegstrom) Neal.
Cathy was a 1979 graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Medical Records. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
Cathy married Jeff Armstrong on December 30, 1978 in Overland Park, KS. He survives of the home.
Other survivors include her mother and father, Leawood, KS; daughter, Meghan Armstrong, Lawrence, KS; son, Chris Armstrong and his girlfriend, Courtney Brax, Kansas City; two sisters, Julie Wilmoth and husband David, Allen, TX and Jane Neal, Merriam, KS, niece and nephew, Kelly Wilmoth, Sugarland, TX and Kyle Wilmoth, Allen, TX, mother-in-law, Donna Wilson, Prairie Village, KS brother-in-law, Jim Armstrong, Lenexa, KS, and father-in-law, Frank Armstrong, and wife, Judy, Tustin, CA.
Cathy was a warrior in her 21 year battle with breast cancer. Through her strong faith and positive attitude, Cathy persevered through numerous reoccurrences and treatments and became a great encourager to those around her. In her journey, she trusted the Lord and looked to the positive side of life despite her circumstances. She will be dearly missed by her immediate and extended family, a long list of friends, including members of her PEO Chapter JJ in Lawrence and military friends all over the world.
The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Guestbook Entries
Date: Feb 27, 2013
Name: Lynn & Ken Davies
Entry: Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jeff and family on the loss of such a wonderful wife, mother, and sister. We remember our times at KU with both of you fondly. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Cathy will be missed dearly.
Date: Feb 25, 2013
Name: Rick Ruiz Schwebel
Entry: To the family : my sincere condolences.
There is no greater pain than the death of a loved one.
Sometimes it seems almost more than a person can bear.
Jehovah God helps us with this in His Word,
He promises us that He will put a stop to all sickness
and death will be no more (REV 21;3.4) Jehovah also
shows His love for us through the ransom sacrifice
of His beloved son Jesus Christ. What a wonderful gift to be given !
Then the hope of seeing our loved ones again
on this earth, transformed into a paradise. The Bible tells us
this was Jehovah's will when He created Adam & Eve.
Please read:
(Genesis 1:26,27; John 5: 28,29; Psalms 37:11,22,29).
If you have any questions or comments,
You contact me at: ricruiz@aol.com
Sincerely:
Date: Feb 23, 2013
Name: Rick Storey
Entry: Dear Jeff, Meghan, and Chris, I was very sad to learn of Cathy's passing. I wish God's comfort on you in what must be a very difficult time. The Storeys were blessed to have you as close friends during our Air Force years. Reminiscing all the good times we had together is a real source of joy. Thank you for those wonderful memories.
Date: Feb 22, 2013
Name: Don and Stacey Howard
Entry: Jeff, Meghan and Chris, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. We will forever cherish our memories of Cathy. She had such a loving way about her. I am a better mother and friend because she was in my life. So sorry we will not be there tomorrow but you will be on our minds and in our hearts. We love you all.
Don, Stacey ,Luke and Chandler Howard
Date: Feb 22, 2013
Name: Pam Beary Hurt
Entry: Good bye my friend - It was a joy to meet you when you came to S.M. West and to live with you in Lawrence during the fun years of college. You were always a beautiful spirit. Enjoy your peace-we love you and will miss you.
Jeff, Meghan, Chris - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Pam
Date: Feb 21, 2013
Name: Roger & Arlene Gabelman
Entry: Nancy, Dick, Jeff and family, Julie and family and Jane: So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Cathy. Know that she's in a much better place. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but love leaves a memory no one can steal. Your Nebraska cousins -- Roger and Arlene
Date: Feb 21, 2013
Name: Dee Holmes
Entry: Please know that my prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you, Dick & Nancy, as well as the whole family. Cathy was such a good person and a real brave fighter against this cancer. Just know that she is in a good place now and without any pain.
Date: Feb 21, 2013
Name: Jeff and Nancy Hambleton
Entry: Jeff, Meghan and Chris, our sincere condolences on Cathy's passing. Life becomes a little lonelier as those closest to us join our Father in heaven. Rest assured she has been received with open arms into His kingdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Feb 21, 2013
Name: Charlotte Strouse
Entry: Even though I had not met Cathy personally, I feel that I knew her through my friendship with Julie. My heart aches for you all at this time and my prayers are with you.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Gayle Venticinque
Entry: Jeff, Meghan, and Chris-Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cathy was such an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She fought a strong fight. She is now with the angels and her Father in heaven. She will always be with us and will watch over us. I am so blessed to have known her and to have called her my friend. May the Lord give you His strength and peace.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Betsy and Bill Childress
Entry: You are all in our prayers, as you have been for many years. Peace to you all.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Sharon Pavel Conklin
Entry: I was so happy to see Cathy in April at the Adpi reunion! It should never take 30 years to get together & lose touch for so long! Thinking of many happy SAE/ADPi parties we attended w/ you all @ KU. Many prayers for your family!
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick and Caroline Davidson and Family
Entry: To our dear precious Armstrong Family ,we are so sorry for the loss of your and our treasured Cathy. What a remarkable woman she is. We feel lucky to have known her. I have never seen ANYONE fight as hard as she did. Our faith is a comfort that she resides in the hand and care of the Lord. On Saturday,our hugs with be there for you. And through our tears which will also be there on Sat.,we will give thanks for a life well lived. God Bless
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Chris & Pat Mattie
Entry: Jeff, Meghan, Chris, we are mourning your loss. Words can do no justice for your heartache. Please take comfort from the family and friends that surround you. Please know that although we cannot be there you will be in our constant thoughts and prayers. May you find peace knowing she is finally free from pain and suffering. Blessings to you all. Love, Pat and Chris
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patty Fancher
Entry: My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: John C Anderson
Entry: Sorry for your loss.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Dale P. Denning
Entry: Dear Jeff and family. I know this has been a very difficult and arduous journey for all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy was a beautiful person and we will all miss her. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. I am always available if you need me.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Barbara J Bonat
Entry: No words to describe the loss of my cousin Cathy. All the family are in our prayers.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Donna Tremblay
Entry: My sincere condolences to Cathy's husband Jeff, the Neal sisters, and their families.
Love and Loyalty,
Donna Tremblay
Alpha Delta Pi
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: John Panethere
Entry: Please know that our hearts and minds are with you all.
Date: Feb 20, 2013
Name: Patrick Denning
Entry: Nothing any of us can say will take away the pain or make you feel better. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was always such kind mother and wife and nice person to be around. May you all be comforted knowing the lord has welcomed her into a place of no pain and only love. We love you all so very much. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but will say a rosary & be in prayer at the time of her services.
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Charles & Donna O'Grady
Entry: As longtime friends of Dick and Nancy Neal we wish to offer our deepest sympathies to Jeff, Meghan, Chris and all others who loved Cathy and are saddened, as we are, by her untimely death. May God take her to Himself and comfort us all with the memory of the lovely person that she was.
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Margie & Thomas Gaitan, San Antonio, Texas
Entry: Chris, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are saddened to hear of the loss of your Mother. Hark! Angel music so sweet! He giveth to His beloved, "Beautiful", beautiful well deserved sleep. When our life's journey is ended we shall again be together. Pray for the sunshine of tomorrow.
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Amy Medina and Family
Entry: My thoughts and prayers are constantly with you for strength, healing and comfort in this difficult time. Mom was the bravest and strongest woman that I have even known. She fought relentlessly for herself and her family for many years, and I know that she is now pain free and at peace with our Lord and Savior. I will always remember her and carry her with me in my heart. She was such a positive role model for all of us and "mom" to many extra kiddos throughout the years. :) Disappointing Cathy and Jeff was more intimidating than disappointing my own parents at times, but the love and compassion that she showed to myself and Meghan and Chris's friends always shown through. Know that she touched many people and was loved more than words can express!
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Chad and Sue Martin
Entry: Jeff, We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We will always be greatful for all the great memories and what wonderful friends you have been over the past 28 years. Cathy is an inspiration to all of us. May God bless you all, Chad and Sue Martin
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Jodie Stockwell
Entry: God bless all you, Chris...i am praying for you and your family, and all that you have lost, and all God has in store in her absence. Love, Jodie
Date: Feb 19, 2013
Name: Ray and Janice Chandler
Entry: Our thoughts and prayers are continually with your family. We are sorry we won't be able to give you hugs in person Saturday but you'll be in our hearts. Cathy was awesome, but you all know that!
