Barbara M. Armstrong passed away peacefully on January 9, 2014 with her loving family by her side. She fought a long seven year battle with cancer with courage and a vigorous determination to live. Barbara was born on June 6, 1936, daughter of the late Homer C. Maxwell and Agnes (Betty) E. Maxwell. She grew up in Wilmette, IL attending Stolp Elementary School and graduated in 1954 from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. She then went on to attend Lake Forest College. She wed William T. (Bill) Armstrong, Jr., a former New Trier classmate, on September 14, 1957. They were married 51 years before Bill passed away in 2008. Barbara and Bill spent their summers at their home in Bridgman, Michigan. They belonged to the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. Their winters were spent in Florida on their sailboat, "Distant Star". Barbara loved reading and always belonged to a local book club. She also was a wonderful cook, enjoyed travelling and donated her time as a volunteer to several organizations. In addition to her beloved husband and best friend, Barbara was preceded in death by her eldest son William T. (Billy) Armstrong, III, in 1972. She is survived by her children Thomas R. Armstrong of New Bold-on-Stour, England, Elizabeth C. Armstrong-McPhee (Gregg McPhee) of Alpharetta, GA, Kathleen N. Armstrong-Smith (Paul Smith) of Hinsdale, IL and Timothy B. Armstrong of Winter Springs, FL; grandchildren, Jack Armstrong of England, Sarah McPhee-Guggia of Salt Lake City, UT, Matthew McPhee of Acworth, GA, Tyler McPhee of Salt Lake City, UT, Chelsea McPhee-Squire of Alpharetta, GA and William Armstrong-Smith of Hinsdale, IL; great grandchildren, Brendan and Colton McPhee. She is also survived by brother William Maxwell and sister Cherry Maxwell. A visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at BURNETT-DANE FUNERAL HOME, 120 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, (Route 176, one block West of Milwaukee Ave.) and from 10-11 a.m. prior to funeral service. Funeral to be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 47 Church St., Lake Zurich, IL. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Barrington, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Berrien County Cancer Service (www.bccancerservices.org) would be appreciated. The children wish to thank their mother for all her love and care she gave to the family but above all for her strength. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 13, 2014.