Lisa Armstrong

Lisa Armstrong of Modesto, CA passed away on March 10, 2025 at the age of 75. Lisa was born on November 7, 1949 in Los Angeles, CA to James Simpson and Phyllis Gaarde. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and dedicated school teacher. Lisa graduated from Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, CA and went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education at Stanislaus State University in Turlock, CA. Lisa devoted her career to teaching at Carroll Fowler Elementary School and later at Virginia Parks Elementary School in Ceres, CA, shaping the lives of many young students. Her vibrant spirit was evident in her love for the ocean, the arts, and her involvement in the choir at Big Valley Church. Through most of her adulthood she was involved in the Beta Sigma Fi Sorority. She enjoyed the sisterhood and the friendships she shared with her fellow sorority members. While in the sorority, Lisa and her sorority sisters did various types of community service around the Modesto area. Her heart was full of love for her family, including her children Tara Tedesco Leonhardt of Sacramento, CA, David Tedesco of Modesto, CA, and Melissa Armstrong of Helena MT, and her grandchildren Brooke Sonnenberg, Natalie Leonhardt, Nathan Leonhardt, Kayleigh Starman, and Jillian Leonhardt. She is also survived by her step mother Sharon Simpson and siblings Stephanie Willhoit, KC Espinoza, Mark Simpson, Christina Martin, Tony Simpson, Peter Gaarde and Sally Nelson. She was preceded in death by her father James Simpson of Aptos, CA, Her mother and stepfather Earl and Phyllis Gaarde of Modesto, CA and her brother Ralph Gaarde. Lisa found joy in art museums, especially the Getty, and delighted in watching ballets and listening to classical music. She also had a passion for dance as an adult. The sunsets over the ocean brought her peace and happiness. Lisa's legacy of love, learning, and joy will be remembered by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home located at 900 Santa Fe Ave Hughson, CA 95326 on Saturday April 5th at 12:00pm. A burial will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in Lisa’s honor.