Her Son Gary Brought Her to Church; In Loving Memory of a Gracious Lady:
IDA EUGENIA ARMSTRONG
June 28, 1925 - March 18, 2005
 

I first met Ida about 10 years ago when I would go by her townhouse to pick Gary up for church or other Joy Fellowship activities. I could see she was a gracious lady, and very gentle and courteous to me. Her son Gary’s gentleness and courtesy had roots in his mom.

Finally that time came when she felt ready to let Gary move out, and she was really thankful that Gary made such a good adjustment to the group home on Taseko Drive in Richmond. He loved to come home after that, but only for a visit.

Gradually she became a solid supporter, but still we didn’t begin to become friends until Gary brought her to church one Mother’s Day, but there weren’t many occasions when we’d do much visiting.

It was at Gary’s bedside that we began to grow closer. Ida’s faithful and tender care for Gary were perhaps his greatest source of strength in his last difficult days and months in the Richmond General.

We’d often meet at the hospital. Sometimes I’d drive her home, or pick her up, as her own health was not always strong. I came to hugely honor and respect her for her outstanding loyal love and support for him during those days. She’d come all the way over on the bus every day, no matter what the weather and no matter how she was feeling. Gary worried about his Mom coming all the way on the bus.

It was during Gary’s last days that she began to join us more regularly at church. Gary couldn’t be with us any more, but she began to represent the family. It became clear that this was now her choice and she became a beloved member of our seniors group. She became as faithful an attender as Gary had been.

Ida faced a lot of difficulties in her life, but she didn’t become bitter; with courage and grace she responded and grew stronger.

Most of all she loved her family. She always spoke with pride and thanks of Gary, Lorraine, and Kevin, and her delight and joy in her grandchildren was always so evident. She had great dignity and a self-deprecating chuckle that was disarming and lovely. She was kind, thoughtful, appreciative, and respectful of others. She was gentle and brave and loyal.