1931-2026
Mary Ann Armstrong, 94, passed away September 21, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mignon McElvaney, and husband of 63 years, Edward H. Armstrong.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1931 to Ann and Robert DuBois, Mary Ann grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois where she made many life-long friends and met her future husband. In 1953, she graduated from Illinois College and married Ed. The couple moved to Springfield where they raised a family and enjoyed a long, happy life together.
Once all of her children were in school, Mary Ann went to work in the cataloguing department at Sangamon State University where she worked for more than 20 years. Teaching herself to use early computer programs, she led the department in transitioning to computer-based cataloguing in the 1980s.
In addition to raising a family and working full time, Mary Ann participated in a number of civic organizations including Urban League, Sister Cities, PEO Chapter HU, and Community Concert. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her beloved bridge club and participating in Ladies Circle at Westminster Presbyterian Church for many years.
A woman of many talents and interests, Mary Ann was always busy. In her younger years, she enjoyed getting bargains at auctions on antique furniture, refinishing it, and furnishing her house with antiques. After she retired, she loved traveling, especially to Ireland, puttering in her greenhouse, knitting on the couch with a dog at her feet and a cat chasing the yarn, and trying new recipes. She was also an accomplished pianist, a talented artist, and an avid reader. Mary Ann never knew boredom; she lived life to the fullest and enjoyed it immensely.
Mary Ann is survived by her five children, Kenton DuBois Armstrong, Amy (Mike) Green, Laura (Mickey) Marks, Alice Sue Armstrong, and Tom Armstrong, three grandchildren, Ian Armstrong, Cora Armstrong, and Iris Armstrong, sister Renee (Rodney) Carswell, brother-in-law Jim (Sue) Armstrong, and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at EverTrue Concordia Village, 4101 West Iles Ave.,Springfield, on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jacksonville Area Museum, P.O. Box 305, Jacksonville, IL 62651.