Regina Rose Armstrong

Surrounded by her loving family and friends, Regina Rose Parsons Armstrong, 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas on December 9, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gena was born February 1, 1939 in Carmel, Maine to Galen and Ernestine Harvey Parsons. Gena was preceded in death by her husband Terry Armstrong of 48 years, her beloved son Brian and son-in-law, Travy Remmert. Her survivors include her two daughters, Cheryl Remmert of Boerne, Lisa Armstrong of San Antonio and daughter-in-law, Julia Armstrong of Fair Oaks Ranch. Gena was a loving and proud "Nana" to grandchildren Tyler, Chloe and Audrey Remmert, Emily and Austin Latimer; and Sean and Calista Armstrong. She is also survived by her sisters Priscilla Small of Bangor, ME, Lenora "Nodie" Small of San Antonio, her brother Clint Parsons of Otis, ME and sister Ruth Rambo of Bangor, ME. Gena's extended family includes many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gena was deeply loved by countless family members, dear friends and loyal personal and SAS employees.

Her early years were spent at home raising their three children. In 1973, she and Terry left their jobs in Maine, and with their family moved to San Antonio, TX with longtime friend, Lew Hayden to pursue the dream of a family-owned shoemaking company. Gena's sacrifices and diligence driving a UPS truck helped the dream become a reality in 1976. A 1957 Carmel High School graduate, Gena was known as a kind and fun loving girl. She could be described as the most extraordinary of ordinary people a salt of the earth individual with a hard working-class heritage which she carried forward her whole life. Gena enjoyed her summers in Camden, ME, her gardens, fine arts and her architectural endeavors. She loved spending time with her siblings singing, listening and playing country music. Over the years she had many different dogs and cats that were her loving companions. Along with her son Brian she was an avid Spurs fan. She had a true spirit of adventure and travelled all over the world with family and friends. The Armstrong family is so thankful for the love and devotion to Gena by her employees, companions and friends. Many would do just about anything for her because she was so special to them. We are fortunate and grateful for the time we've had with Gena and find peace in knowing that she is now with her precious son and husband.

A memorial will be held at the SAS gymnasium on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 2 pm. Gena will lie in state at Porter Loring North from 4 pm til 9 pm Monday. A Celebration of Gena's Life will be held at Porter Loring North at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, December 14th with temporary entombment at Mission Burial Park North. Final burial and graveside services will be held at the family plot in Carmel, Maine in the spring.