MARY C. ARMSTRONG

Mary Celeste Armstrong, 56, of Papillion, NE passed from the loving arms of her family to the eternal arms of her adored mother. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Armstrong, her brothers Jim and Gary Armstrong. And her nephew Colin Armstrong. She is survived by her brothers Bill (Pat) Armstrong, and Rick Armstrong. Her sisters, Pat (Ed) McIntosh, Mickey (Jim) Gilbert, Sandy (Tom) Tucker. Sisters in law, Carol Armstrong and Cindy Armstrong. Nieces and Nephews, Jamie (James) Tucker, Heather Johnson, John (Kim) Armstrong, Mark (Kim) Armstrong, Kyle (Sarah) Armstrong, Shannon Armstrong, Julie (James) Armstrong, Marlen (Dennis) Rush, Brian Menke, Chad (Justine) Menke, Christine (Paul) Bryngelson, Carrie (Andy) Novak, Sean Tucker, Leia (Ross) Rumsey, Sheyanne Tucker, Taylor (Will) Janke. 25 Great nieces and nephews and 9 Great great nieces and nephews. Her Aunt Charlotte Cunz of Pasadena CA and a multitude of cousins. Her Leawood family, Donna Ogg, Cara Dreessen, Marybeth Burghardt and Mary Bohlmeyer and the amazing Encore staff, that cared for her for many years.

Mary C was born on May 9, 1961 in San Antonio TX, the eighth child to George and Helen, she was born with Down’s Syndrome. Little did they know what purpose that would bring to their lives. She grew up beginning as a live baby doll to her three sisters who adored her, and she soon became their favorite sister. Her brothers taught her to spit and throw rocks. Brother Gary spent an entire afternoon teaching her to catch a ball. She learned. And she continued to learn the rest of her life. She learned to read, write and do simple math. She was in the first graduating class from CHAP school in Bellevue. She learned to play the piano, Happy Birthday being her favorite piece. She learned to bowl, and getting a Turkey was reason to cheer. She learned to play tennis, and learned she didn’t care for it. She learned to ride a bike. She learned how to ride a horse, which was overcoming something MUCH larger and sitting on it! She learned to work, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Bellevue Florist. Mary loved to dance!! And would be on the dance floor till the last song played. She learned her love of music from her mom and dad. And singing Christmas carols was always a favorite. She learned that having breast cancer didn’t define her, she fought hard and made friends with every nurse, doctor, tech and custodian along the way. Don’t think too many doctors when they ask their patients, “can I do anything else for you?” hear “may I have a hug?” …..

And she taught. She taught us that the most important thing in life is family. Her family was everything to her and she relished every member. And every friend she made, became her family too. Mary hugs are famous far and wide…. Mary C Armstrong you taught with your mere presence it’s all about love, hopefully we learned.

VISITATION:  Thursday, November 9 from 5-7 pm with Vigil Service at 7 pm at Bellevue Memorial Chapel.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Friday, November 10 at 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Bellevue.

INTERMENT:  Monday, November  13, 9 am at Bellevue Cemetery.

Memorials to VNA Hospice or ARC Nebraska.