Eileen R. Armstrong

Eileen R. Armstrong, a resident of Baton Rouge since 1939, died at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Eileen was born in Monticello, Ark., on May 28, 1917. She received her bachelor's degree from Arkansas A&M, now University of Arkansas at Monticello, in 1937, and her master's degree in sociology from LSU in 1940. Eileen was an active member of the community and worked tirelessly to improve life for its residents through her work in public service and the church. She served two six-year terms on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board from 1971-1982, becoming the board's first woman president in 1980. Eileen and Wallace, her husband of 67 years, were charter members of University Presbyterian Church, where she served as a teacher, deacon and elder. She also served as parliamentarian for the Presbytery of South Louisiana and was a recipient of the B.R. Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award. Some of the organizations in which Eileen played key roles through the course of her life were: Louisiana PTA, National Association of Parliamentarians, member of the parish Democratic Central Committee, chairwoman of the Louisiana Political Caucus, president of the Louisiana Organizations for State Legislation, National Women's Political Caucus, Capital Area Literacy Coalition Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce CHAMPAC; Friends of Louisiana Training Institute board; Public Radio board, Symphony Board; Arts&Humanities board, YWCA board, Family Court Advisory Board, B.R. Mental Health Center board, Baton Rouge chapter president of the American Field Service, International Hospitality Foundation board, Women in Politics, Greater Baton Rouge Safety Council, United Way and Women in the Mainstream Pavilion, New Orleans World's Fair. Among her many awards were: Hall of Fame, Louisiana Center for Women in Government Silver Magnolia Award, Women's Council of Baton Rouge, Capital Area Network "Open Door Award," YWCA "Women of Achievement Award" in the area of public service, Baton Rouge Council on Human Relations "Humanitarian Award," "Jewels of Yesteryears" from Nonpareil Chapter, Baton Rouge, Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., Zonta Club of Baton Rouge Status of Women Award, AAUW Award (B.R. chapter), Baton Rouge Volunteer Activists Award, Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers Award, Baton Rouge Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award, state PTA "Teacher of Distinction" Award. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Faris Armstrong; and her parents, Calvin Christopher Ratterree and Freddie Mae Ingram Ratterree. She is survived by a daughter, Betty Armstrong Fenasci; three sons, George Alexander Armstrong, Robert Calvin Armstrong and William Wallace Armstrong; a son-in-law, Ronald Francis Fenasci; two daughters-in-law, Deborah Reese Armstrong and April Ann Armstrong; five grandsons, Sean Michael Kirby, Christopher William Armstrong, Andrew Theophane Armstrong, David Alexander Armstrong and Eric Robert Armstrong; two granddaughters, Rachel Ann Kirby and Hannah Erin Armstrong; two granddaughters-in-law, Gretchen Orcino Armstrong and Jessica Ruiz Armstrong; four great-grandsons, Benjamin Michael Kirby, Milo Louis Cibelli, Austin Christopher Armstrong and Collin Christopher Armstrong; and a great-granddaughter, Caitlin Lucille Kirby. She is also survived by two stepgranddaughters and their spouses and eight stepgreat-grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff of the St. James Place Health and Wellness Center for their loving care. A memorial service will be held at University Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 13. Memorial contributions may be made to University Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.