Elizabeth D. Armstrong

Elizabeth C. Armstrong 

92, of Penn Yan, died August 3, 2026 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her children would like to thank the staff at the Penn Yan Manor for their caring kindness.

Elizabeth was born October 28, 1933 in Johnson City, NY, the daughter of Ben and Betty Caton. She graduated from North High School in Binghamton, NY in 1951, and followed the footsteps of her older sister Evelyn by attending Keuka College. Elizabeth treasured the beautiful setting, the deep friendships, and the exciting field period experiences of her Keuka years. Keuka College always held a special place in her heart. Elizabeth served as president of her class alumni association, was co-president of the Penn Yan chapter of Keuka Club, and served on the board of the Lightener Library. In 1982, Elizabeth was given the Eleanor Judd Wilkins Service to Keuka award.

Elizabeth met her husband Robert C. Armstrong of Penn Yan at a church bible study group. Mr. Armstrong attended the bible study upon the recommendation of his buddy, Clint Ayers, who suggested it would be a good opportunity to meet girls. Elizabeth became a member of the Penn Yan United Methodist Church in 1956, the year she and Robert were married. Her faith was a lifelong source of strength and joy, and she was active in the church for almost all of her life, even singing in a church trio called The Morning Glories. She played the piano and loved music and the arts, and rarely missed any play or concert performed in the area. Elizabeth was an avid reader and a dedicated patron of the Penn Yan Public Library. She served many years on the library board and helped spearhead the building of the library addition. Elizabeth was also an avid collector of local postcards and Penn Yan memorabilia. She served on the board of The Once Again Shoppe. Elizabeth and her dear friend Ann Potter were leaders of Penn Yan’s Senior Girl Scout Troop #379 from the 1960’s through the early 1970’s.

They organized many trips as well as camping, hiking, and mountain climbing expeditions, and kept the girls busy with creative and community service activities. After college graduation Elizabeth worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, and then as secretary for Dean Margaret Conway at Keuka College. The bulk of her working life was spent at the side of her husband, Robert Armstrong, at the glass shop on Elm Street, Armstrong Glass, which had been started by her husband’s father in 1924. Robert cut the glass and Elizabeth greeted the customers and did the bookkeeping. Elizabeth’s personable demeanor and natural curiosity made her well suited for dealing with customers. She was never shy about approaching someone and complimenting them if she saw an admirable trait. Elizabeth could often be seen out in the yard working among her flower beds, and anyone passing by out front could clearly see that therein lived someone who loved flowers. One of Elizabeth’s favorite sayings was a quote from Helen Keller: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow”. Her sunny disposition and genuine sweetness of character were wholly uplifting to those around her.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her sister Evelyn, of Dundee, and her husband Robert Armstrong, who died in 2016. Elizabeth is survived by one sister, Eleanor Caton of Rochester, NY and three children: Susan DeLaire (Jim) of Penn Yan, David S. Armstrong (Ellie MaGuire) of Pepperell, Mass, and Anne Gunn of Penn Yan, three grandchildren: Sara Jorgensen, John Armstrong, and James Armstrong, and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to the Penn Yan Public Library, 214 Main Street, Penn Yan, or the local theater company, PYTCo, PO Box 106, Penn Yan, NY 14527.

Calling hours will be held at the Weldon Funeral Home on Saturday August 22nd from 1 to 2pm, with Rev. Wayne Butler officiating a brief memorial service at 2pm.