Obituary of Shirley Mae Armstrong

NEWCOMB:  Shirley (Stanley) Armstrong, 91, of Cortlandt Manor and Newcomb, NY passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at Elderwood at North Creek.

Born at home in North Creek on April 12, 1935, Shirley was the daughter of the late Gernsie and Vera (Savoie) Stanley. Her early years were spent in North Creek, where she attended Johnsburg Central School until the fifth grade, when her family relocated to Tahawus. It was there, while in fifth grade, that Shirley met James Armstrong, the boy who would become the love of her life.

When Tahawus closed, the Stanley family moved to neighboring Newcomb, where Shirley graduated from Newcomb Central School in 1953. On July 17, 1953, shortly after graduation, she married James. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage before his passing in 2017.

Shirley and James quickly began building their family and first made their home in Minerva. They later settled in Cortlandt Manor, where they established and operated their own party tent business. Shirley served as the company's office manager until her retirement in 1995.

In addition to helping run the family business and raising her children, Shirley was a devoted member of Yorktown Assembly of God. She faithfully served her church by playing the organ and participating in the Women's Ministry. She was an avid reader, loved history, and especially enjoyed genealogy, taking great pride in researching her family's roots.

No matter where life took her, Newcomb always held a special place in Shirley's heart. Every summer she returned north with her children and continued that cherished tradition throughout her life, making the journey as recently as last summer.

Shirley enjoyed sewing, knitting, and especially quilting, creating countless handmade treasures for family and friends. Above all, however, her greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother for her children, and she treasured her beloved grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her beloved husband James Armstrong; son Robert Armstrong; sister Normalea Balch, brother in-law Vernon Balch and sister-in-law Gertrude Armstrong.

Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her children Bonnie (Joe) Agosta, Beth (Roger) Heady, Susan (Walter) Krajeski; Paul (Michelle) Armstrong and Peter Armstrong; 16 adored grandchildren; 9 beloved great grandchildren; brother-in-law George Armstrong and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Visitation for Shirley’s family and friends will be held from 10:30am – Noon, Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY.  A funeral service will take place at Noon following visitation. Burial will be held for immediate family only in Newcomb Cemetery. 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.