LOTTIE JEAN ISABEL ARMSTRONG

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LOTTIE JEAN ISABEL ARMSTRONG On July 30, 2004, Lottie Jean Isabel Armstrong "Lod" - our Sister, Aunt, Great-Aunt, Friend, Parent and Champion, went to sleep peacefully with sister Dorothy Faris and nephew Scott Faris at her side. Left behind to rejoice that she has finally found rest and to celebrate a memorable and meaningful life are: Nephews, Brian (Bev) Armstrong, Frank (Hilda) Armstrong, Scott Faris, and Bob McClintock; Nieces, Sandy (Don) Chiupka, Shirley Gardner, Marilyn (John) Wade, and Carol (Gerry) Irving; Daughter-in-law Carol Faris, and all their children and grandchildren that she cherished so much. Missing her especially will be those who grew up with the help of her guiding hand: Shaun Aston, Rob and Katya McClintock, Curran, Brenna, and Evan Faris, Debbie and Todd Armstrong, Heather Irving, and now Bree-Ann Carruthers. On July 13, 1914, bagpipes were played up and down Hetherington Avenue as the first daughter after eight boys was born to William and Carlotta Armstrong in the house, built by her father, where Lottie would live her entire life. She outlived her nine brothers. Her beloved sister Dorothy remains to remember them all. Her father died in the 1918 flu epidemic. Lottie left school early to help support the family and went to work at Eatons, eventually rising to become a Signature in the ladies Suits & Coats on the 4th floor. She did buying, marketing and forecasting, became involved in designing clothing in consultation with Jacob & Crowley, and took courses in Economics and Merchandising. Lottie took a leave of absence from Eatons during the Second World War to work at McDonald Aircraft, repairing damaged airplanes. She wanted to honour her brother Bill who served in the First World War, and Sandy (Ross) who, along with her brother-in-law Archie, made the ultimate sacrifice. She was instrumental in setting up a branch of the Airmens Club in Riverview Church, organizing dances, and arranging billeting in homes to help young airmen trainees who came to Winnipeg from all parts of the Commonwealth feel less lonely. Lottie left Eatons to become the first female insurance agent in Manitoba, then joined Ash Temple Limited and there found kindred spirits in Al Hunter and his wife Jean. Al and Lottie formed a team that made their branch an example across the country. She earned honours as Western Canadian Employee of the year. She received the Presidents Award for Distinguished Service in 1986, recognition previously given only to former Presidents. The following year she received another award for 20 years of Faithful and Dedicated Service. She traveled to head office and to several branches to implement the procedures she had developed. She officially retired at age 65 but worked well in her 70s as Als right hand. She never lost her love of learning. At 90 she could still recite poetry that she learned in school. She learned furniture making and upholstery, which led to, among other things, the comfortable lounge in her favourite spot, the sunroom. Lottie became a competent carpenter, building the unique carport behind the house, and the rec room that became the "hangout" for Bob and Scotts friends as they grew up. She was active in the Young Liberals, meeting with many notables of the era and was many times encouraged to go into law or politics. "Kids" was a watchword for Lottie. She had none of her own, but helping children was her passion. She volunteered at Shriners Hospital, singing, telling stories, and handing out "sleeping pills" - Smarties. She even accompanied one particular little girl back to her home in Vancouver. She sang in the choir at Riverview Church, was Superintendent of the Junior High Cs, and decorated the choir loft for Christmas Pageants. She constructed and wired the Christmas window decoration at home that to this day draws people to pass by and even knock on the door. In the summer, her garden also brought many visitors to admire the carefully planned beauty. Lottie led an imaginative campaign to save the fire hall at Osborne and Arnold, and always took an interest in local affairs. She loved to cook and bake, and her trays were eagerly awaited by friends and family. In the early years of the Childrens Hospital Book Market, Lottie organized the moving of books, drafting into service nephews Brian, Bob and Scott, and Scotts friends from the Churchill Bulldogs, most of whom showed up on Lotties 90th birthday to pay their respects. She was a member and Treasurer of the Annie A. Bond Guild at Childrens Hospital, and was Teddy Box Chairman until her failing health and declining vision forced her to pass on the torch. On her 90th birthday as many of her "kids" as could attend played a final game of Tin-Can baseball. She struck out Scott, then amazed everyone by hitting the ball three times in a row! This was followed by a party at which people whose lives she touched came to tell her how much she was loved and respected: family, neighbours and friends. At her request, there will be no funeral service. Those wishing to remember Lottie may do so by making a contribution to the playroom established in her name at Childens Hospital. Donations may be sent to: Childrens Hospital of Winnipeg, 840 Sherbrook, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1 "For upkeep of Room CK5 in memory of Ronnie Armstrong and Timmy Faris". The family would like to thank the "Girls" at the Bank of Montreal, Branch 578 for their many kindnesses and help over the years. Glen and Kathy at McNaught Motors are true friends. Savelia Sytnick aka Reese also provided guidance and friendship above and beyond. The staff at St. Boniface Hospital, with kindness and compassion helped Lottie to her final rest, especially Julia Ann Purcha, who was gentle with Lottie and comforted Dorothy and Scott. To many other people too numerous to name, we pass on our thanks and love. "Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moarning of the bar, When I put out to sea." THOMSON "IN THE PARK" FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd - 1-877-230-0438

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 07, 2004