Obituary of Karen M. Armstrong

Karen Marie Armstrong passed away September 20, 2019 in Olympia, Washington.  She was born September 2, 1935 to Ralph and Ethel (Abbott) Jones in Seattle, Washington.  Over the years, she also lived near the state capitol; on Cooper Point Road; and 16 years on a farm on Littlerock Road.

Karen graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, and earned a BA from Whitman College, where she was the only female in her math classes and was named an outstanding student freshman year.  Also during freshman year, she met her future husband, Jack S. Armstrong.  They were married February 3, 1957 in Tacoma.

Professionally, Karen was a school teacher at Boston Harbor Elementary, a real estate broker, and property manager at Tri County Holdings. She was a member of Zonta, Gyro, and a ladies’ book club. She enjoyed dogs, nature, painting, photography, and scrapbooking. She loved traveling with Jack to Montana, Europe, and Orcas Island.

Karen will be remembered for her great sense of humor, sociability, and passion toward animals.  She was very involved with her grandchildren and in family life. 

She is survived by her beloved husband, best friend and constant companion, Jack Armstrong; daughters, Ramona Moore (Randy) of Shelton, Washington, Natalie Fortier (Gregg) of Port Townsend, Washington, and Roxanne Haerling (Don) of Centralia, Washington; five grandchildren; and sister, Kathie Anderson (Jim) of Harstene Island.  She was predeceased by her parents.

Karen had a severe stroke at the end of her life. She spent some time at both Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center. In between these two hospitals, she spent some time recuperating at the Bonaventure of Lacey and the Brookdale West. At the very end of her life, hospice helped with her passing. We want to thank all of these caring people for making her final days as peaceful as they could be. You are appreciated!

Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Youth Services of Olympia, 711 State Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98506 or online by clicking HERE; Whitman College,  345 Beyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362; or the Tacoma/Pierce County Humane Society by clicking HERE.