Obituary of Christina Martha Armstrong

August 30, 1928 – Ottawa, Ontario

September 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christina “Chris” Armstrong (nee Sale) on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 96 years. She passed away at home in Calgary, AB, with her family by her side. Chris was predeceased by her beloved husband Howard “Howie,” whom she loved with all her heart until the day she died. We are heartbroken, but grateful to know they are together again.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter Susan (Storey), son-in-law Brent, and her loving granddaughters, Jenn Kathrens (Spencer) and Katie Williams (Tanner). Chris will also be missed by her precious great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Cohen, Siena, and Hayes, all of Calgary.

Chris was born on August 30, 1928, in Ottawa, ON, to parents, Frank Sale of Dundee, Scotland and Evelyn (née Parr) Sale of Liverpool, England. She spent her childhood in the Glebe climbing trees and riding her bike. Chris and her best friend, Norma, spent countless hours catching tadpoles in the lilypond by the Rideau Canal. They made lasting memories together.

She attended First Avenue and Hopewell Avenue schools before graduating from the High School of Commerce in 1945. Chris first noticed Howie in grade six and thought he was pretty cute, but Howie was too busy playing various sports to notice her at the time. They finally went on their first date in 1946. Chris was Howie’s biggest fan, watching him play baseball and hockey for the Ottawa Montagnards and New Edinburgh teams. They were married on September 16, 1950, and began to build a life together. She was a devoted wife, daughter, and friend, to many who knew her.

Her next role as a mother came when Chris gave birth to their daughter, Susan. She embraced motherhood with the same warmth and love she brought to every aspect of her life. Chris and Howie enjoyed life together for 60 years until Howie died on September 16, 2010. In 2012, Chris moved to Calgary to live with Susan and Brent, where she continued to make happy memories with her granddaughters and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Chris’ early working career started at Central Mortgage and Housing and then at The Royal Trust Company. Once Susan started school, Chris worked in the office and the library of Hillcrest High School for 27 years. Throughout her working years, Chris met many incredible people, many of whom became lifelong friends.

She was particularly proud of her family. When Susan and Brent were transferred to Calgary, it was an upsetting time. However, Chris and Howie made many trips to Calgary and loved to celebrate birthdays, Christmases, and have picnics in the mountains with Jenn and Katie. She always put her family first and cherished spending time with them. Chris was a dog lover and we’re sure Ted, Tammy, Misty, Kali, and Eli will be happy to see her again.

She was a proud first-generation Canadian. Chris was very interested in her heritage and spent many enjoyable hours tracing her and Howie’s roots through genealogy. She also loved to read, cross-stitch, and do crossword puzzles. Chris enjoyed memorable vacations, including a camping trip through the Maritimes, trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Newfoundland, British Columbia, and of course Disneyland.

Chris will be most remembered for her dedication to her family and her unwavering love and loyalty to her friends. She will also be remembered for her love of robins. So, when you see your first robin next spring, please “stamp it” and think of her.

An interment will be held next spring/summer, where Chris will be reunited next to her beloved Howie, at Capital Memorial Gardens in Ottawa.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Chris’ family here.

In living memory of Chris Armstrong, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.