Clara R. Armstrong

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.