Obituary of Ethel Isobel Armstrong
Armstrong, Ethel Isobel (Popplewell)
June 8th, 1930 - January 11th, 2025
Ethel was predeceased by her husband of fifty-one years, Melvin, in 2002. Together they ran the Armstrong family farm which included cattle, extensive vegetable gardens, and a maple syrup operation. Ethel was also predeceased by her sister, Jean Garrett (Harris), brother-in-law Hillis Crozier, and Marion and Garnet Ritchie.
Ethel is lovingly remembered by her daughter Linda (Larry), her son David, her granddaughters Lindsay (Andrew), Brooke (Nelson), Sarah (Jesse), and Brandy (Tom), her great-grandchildren Owen and Atlee, her sister Mary Crozier, her nieces and nephews, her church friends, and her euchre family.
Ethel’s farm skills were developed from an early age, growing up on the Popplewell farm. She got her sense of humour from her father, Howard Popplewell, and her name from her mother, Ethel Popplewell (Stewart), who passed away only three days after Ethel was born.
An avid baker, Ethel’s kitchen always smelled of homemade bread or sweet treats. At every holiday, her family could count on turkey, turnip puff, shortbread, and maple fudge. A skilled seamstress and an expert with knitting needles, Ethel could patch any hole, make uniforms for her daughter, or whip up doll clothes on request.
When Ethel wasn’t caring for her farm, she also worked for many years at the North Frontenac Telephone Company and the White Lake Fish Hatchery where she found fun and laughs at every turn. Always involved in her community, Ethel assisted with local elections, contributed to all church suppers, and was happiest if her calendar was filled with upcoming euchre games at the local halls.
Family and friends will gather in St. Paul’s United Church, 25 Gore St. W., Perth on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. The visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 A.M. A gathering and sharing of memories will then be held in the Church Fellowship Hall following which the family will proceed to Zealand United Cemetery for internment. In remembrance of Ethel, memorial donations to Zealand United Cemetery or fund of one’s choice would be appreciated.
