Patricia Armstrong

Patricia Armstrong, wife of Jack, mother of 10, Grandmother of 28, great grandmother of 18 passed away peacefully on July 24th after 91 years of life, Pat, the daughter of George Downs Jr. and Annie Laurie (Beaslin) Downs, was born January 16, 1929 in St. Joseph, Missouri.  On April 19, 1952 she married John (Jack) Roland Armstrong and together they had 10 children.  In order of birth they are Denis (Iris), Laura (Kevin Patti), Philip (Suzy), John (Karen), Kenny (Nancy), David (Kelly), Patricia Rose, Mary Reed, Jeanne (Mike Haynes) and Matt (Kristine). In eternity she joins Jack (1985) Patricia Rose who died at birth (1961) and Denis (2006).

Patricia had three brothers, James Downs, George Downs III,  and Richard Downs, all deceased.

Known as Tink to her friends and family growing up, she was an extrovert who loved being with others and always held concern for them and their well-being. In her final journal entry from a few years ago she wrote, "my father would tell me and my brothers, ‘In your every action you must consider others.'" She passed this on to all of her children as well. Her passion was teaching small children using the Montessori Method. As a pioneer in this educational practice, she began teaching preschool in 1963 and she continued that passion a few years later by opening her own school, thought to be one of the first of its kind in our area, at 51st and Roe in Roeland Park.  In the 70's she brought the Montessori model to the inner city where she taught for many years until going to St. Pius X in Mission, teaching there for over 20 years. She has belonged to St. Pius X since it was opened in 1955. At least one of her children or grandchildren was in the parish school every year that it was opened since 1957.

She was a woman who proudly called herself a Democrat and believed strongly in justice and equality for all people. A voracious reader, when not chasing children, she spent much of her time with a book in one hand and a cigarette in the other while sipping on some scotch.

A pack of Lucky Strike was no match for a good political discussion with friends and family.  She is much loved and though she will be missed, we are grateful for a matriarch who lived life well.

Because of the pandemic the family feels it is best to have a private service.  We know that mom was loved by many and we welcome kind words left here as her lasting tribute.

We wish to thank all of those at The  Forum in Overland Park for giving her a comfortable and enjoyable life for these past 10 years. She said it was like being in college again except everyone is old. We want to especially thank Nurse Gina and Nurse Doorkus for the wonderful care you gave to her this past year.

We welcome your words, stories, and condolences expressed below.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be family only and held on Saturday August 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X in Mission, Ks., followed by a private burial where she will be laid to rest next to Jack in Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Operation Breakthrough.