Mary Lee Armstrong

Charley Armstrong and his family announce the passing of Mary Lee, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dear friend on April 18, 2025.

Mary Lee was born in Roanoke, Virginia on March 15, 1939, the daughter of Sheila Harvey Long, and Nelson C. Long of Hot Springs, Virginia. Mary Lee spent her early, formative years in Hot Springs, often associated with the Homestead Hotel, where her father was the golf professional, and her mother ran a clothing store. Mary Lee met Charley Armstrong, a fellow classmate at the local high school; and after a brief courtship, they were married in 1960 at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs. This past December, Mary Lee and Charley celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

At the time of their marriage, Mary Lee and Charley were both college students. Mary Lee was a senior at Madison College (now James Madison University) and Charley was a senior at Virginia Tech. The weekends were spent traveling between Harrisonburg and Blacksburg. In June 1961, they both received their college degrees and Mary Lee began a successful teaching career that lasted over 25 years.

The following year after graduation, Richard Charles, their first son was born; and later while Charley was serving active duty in the military in Germany, their second son, Michael Samuel, was born in Nuremburg. Mary Lee was alway a supportive military partner assisting Charley with all aspects of his thirty year military career; and Charley also gives credit to Mary Lee for any successes he had in his life. As life partners Mary Lee and Charley enjoyed spending the winter seasons at their beach home in Jupiter, Florida.

Mary Lee is survived by her husband, Charley, her sons, Richard and Michael, their wives, Andrea Leeds Armstrong and Tracy Lynn Armstrong, her grandchildren Emma Leeds Armstrong, Teddy Leeds Armstrong, and Molly Ariana Turner. All have given her great love and joy. She is also survived by her brother, Nelson Long, his wife Terry, and their children, Alexandra and Erik.

At Mary Lee's request, she will be cremated and there will be a private outdoor family service followed by a sprinkling of her ashes along many of the walking trails she and Charley enjoyed each morning for the last forty years. During this service the family will reflect on the enjoyment of Mary Lee had as she would often say or sing out the words of one of her favorite songs "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens.

An informal family visitation will be held at the Teague Funeral Service, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903, on May 2, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For those wishing to recognize the life of Mary Lee and her love for all critters, the family suggests a donation to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA at 3355 Berkmar Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901.