Obituary

September 10, 2011

Jean Winifred Spencer Armstrong

Jean Winifred Spencer Armstrong, born February 14, 1916 in Alliance, Nebraska to Dr. and Mrs. William T. and Winona (Younkin) Spencer.  Jean moved to Lincoln in 1921, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1937.  Secretary, Lancaster County Republican Party, Rep. Hyde Sweet, Governor Dwight Griswold and staff of Governor Thomas Dewey.  Partner, Armstrong Interiors and Furniture.  Survived by one daughter, Nancy Armstrong Johnson, five grandchildren and spouses, Nathan and the Reverend Ann Johnson, Susan and Daniel Kennerly, Adrienne and Robert Krunich, Brian Johnson and Caleb Johnson, and three great grandchildren, Beck Johnson, Spencer Johnson, and Ezekiel Kennerly.  Member First Christian Church. 

Services will be at First Christian Church, 430 S. 16th, Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:30 A.M.

Interment will be at Wyuka Cemetery immediately following the service at church.

Memorials to  Lincoln Symphony Orchestra.

13 Comments

  1. Nancy,
    Please accept my sincere sympathy at the death of your mother. She was such a gracious lady that I remember very fondly. “May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.”
    Thinking of you,
    Angie (Wheeler) Jones

    Reply
    • Dear Angie, Wow! How nice to hear from you, although at a sad time. Mom passed peacefully, after a delightful breakfast, a discussion of some newspaper articles, and listening to me play some hymns and a Scott Joplin on the piano. She said, “I sure liked that jazz.” and then “I need to go to bed now.” She clearly turned her head left to look in a full length mirror as I wheeled her from the dining room into her bedroom. Her expression – a little quirky smile like, “I just found the Christmas presents.” I walked ten more steps and her head dropped off to the right. I moved to the front of the wheelchair, and her eyes rolled unnaturally in her head. It was just like Elijah. She was lifted right into heaven. Angie, please stay in touch. My number is 402-570-1708, and you may use the above or nancyjohnson@usa.com to reach me. Thanks, again.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear this news about our dearest friend and neighbor, Jean.
    Thankfully, Mom and I were able to spend some time with her these last few weeks and we are so thankful for that opportunity and Blessing. She will always rank up there as one of the most wonderful, smiling, caring, and loving person I know. God Bless you all.

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    • Dear Heidi, As usual, you have written a beautiful and loving tribute. I, too, am glad you and your mom got to spend some time with Mom the last few weeks. Please let me know the next time you’ll be in town. I will look forward to seeing you. Love, Nancy

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  3. Nancy,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a good friend, neighbor and role model to so many, her loss is widely felt. Please know that you are not alone and that there are many people (both your friends and hers) who are here for you and will try to help you in whatever small way we can. Your mother had a class, beauty and grace that I know you will carry with you, as will your children and their children… I will miss her, as will all of our family. May God bless you all and keep her close in your hearts.

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    • Dear Laura, Please forgive me for being so long to respond. Your tribute to Mom is so moving. Be assured I am printing it so save and show my children. I don’t feel very eloquent right now but do truly, truly appreciate what you have written and how you have written it. Don’t be a stranger, Laura. I am counting on your friendship continuing for many, many years. Love, Nancy

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  4. There are hundreds and hundreds of pictures of this stunningly beautiful lady. Some of us are fortunate enough to have pictures of Mrs Armstrong at Armstrong Furniture, or Mrs Armstrong at the wedding of a grandchild. We have pictures of her in our heart coming for a lunch dressed in perfect style and zero pomposity. Just pure grace and style enough to dazzle an entire room of people. The picture placed in the Journal Star is long before I knew Mrs Armstrong but it finishes the story like a flashback to the grand first scene of an epic. She is our very own Greatest Generation and we are left wondering how it could be so perfect ever again. When we look back, there is another one who left us too early. Mr Paul Armstrong is ever-present in this story. Coffee and toast was magical with the Armstrongs. For each and every one who knew Paul and Jean Armstrong, may we understand that we have been blessed and have a duty before God to share the idea of a wonderful life. I allude to a movie depicting a perfect family that helped make a town great just like we actually experienced growing up in Lincoln NE while Paul and Jean were here. Blessings to the family and my lifelong friend and schoolmate Nancy Armstrong Johnson. Thank you God.

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    • Dear Linda, I should have known that you would write such a beautiful tribute to Mom. I am just now feeling ready and having the need to read these. Rest assured I will save them amongst my treasured belongings and as a heritage for my children. Love always, Nancy

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  5. I was so sorry to hear about Jean at last night’s PEO meeting. She was a long-time member of our Chapter, and I enjoyed getting together with her as well as meeting various members of the family. We had many wonderful conversations and I have so many fond memories of her. She will be missed. I will be thinking of and praying for her and for all of you.

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    • Dear Pat, Thank you so much, again, for remembering Mom. She truly treasured you and the PEO group. I have some of your cards but will also save this tribute you wrote to Mom. It is not only comforting and beautiful to me but is a legacy to share with my children and her beloved grandchildren. Thank you, Pat! Love, Nancy

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  6. We are saddened by the loss of Mrs. Armstrong. Her kindness and genuine affection for our family was always apparent each time we had the privilege of meeting. She truly will be missed.

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    • Dear Charles and Sara, Finally I respond. Please forgive my delay. It is just now that I am able to in some kind of quiet open and read these beautiful tributes. Charles and Sara, you know how much Mom valued and I value your friendship. May it continue for many, many years. I will keep your tribute among my valued treasures. Sincerely, Nancy J.

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  7. Dearest Nancy and Family,
    We extend our greatest sympathy. Jean was our dearest friend and adopted Mother. She was elegant, intellectual and possessed a great political insight. We are always grateful for her impressive management of the gubernatorial campaign for our step-Father Lt.Governor Dwight Burney. She was the administrative assistant to three Nebraska Governors. And how we adored her stories of residing in the Waldorf Astoria in New York City when she worked on the presidential campaign for Governor Dewey in the late 1940’s. And who could forget her tales of taking flying lessons at the Lincoln Airport in 1937. She was the best friend of our Mother-Grayce Hahn Burney. They were our mentors on the importance of appreciating our pioneer roots but also being global. How fortunate we were to travel with Jean and Paul in Rome on one of their buying trips for Armstrong Furniture. The store was classy and overhwelming with great taste and style. Jean and Paul were always committed to leadership and contributions to community. You have inherited a family heritage that is unique. Jean is a Nebraska treasure. She was always there for us with great counsel, wisdom and love. We miss her deeply but know that we are fortunate to have Jean Spencer Armstrong in our lives.

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