Mary Lawnin Moseley Armstrong

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother,Mary Lawnin Moseley Armstrong on March 6th, 2024, at the age of 89. She left this world surrounded by the love of her family and friends. It is said that you can’t beat cancer, but in keeping with her strong will and determination, she gave it a go for 4 1/2 years. Born on May 15th, 1934 in Evanston, Illinois, Mary went on to live an extraordinary life filled with adventure, travel, sports, friends and family. She attended John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, Missouri, Skidmore College, then transferred to the University of Wisconsin from which she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Her summers as a camp counselor at Camp Minne-Wonka in Three Lakes, Wisconsin shaped the rest of her life as she developed a love of canoeing, hiking and the outdoors. She continued that love of nature with her family in the Pacific Northwest, leading them twice on long hikes across the Olympic National Park and multiple hikes in the Cascades. She avidly supported the Green Bay Packers, attended the famous “Ice Bowl” and remained a Packer fan to the end. As her three children were growing up on Mercer Island, Washington, the family fell in love with soccer. Mary formed and coached the first girls’ club soccer team at Mercer Island High School and played on a women’s team until she was 55 years old. Mary’s career was focused on education and she was an elementary aide in the Mercer Island School District for nearly 30 years, primarily working one on one with students. She was known as the playground “Duty” and had a reputation of being strict during recesses at Island Park and Lakeridge elementary schools. In the 1980s, Mary’s big adventure was travel; with a goal of reaching all 7 continents. She, of course, succeeded in this. In doing so, she made friends with people around the world and continued to communicate with them throughout her life. Mary loved being around young, active people and her house on Mercer Island had a constant buzz of young people in and out and much laughter during “Sunday Night Dinners.” After one of her many summer hiking trips in the North Cascades, Mary fell in love with a piece of land in Mazama, Washington and decided to purchase it. The family built a small cabin which became a focal point for Mary and her family over the next 42 years. It is where she met her second husband, Lyle Armstrong. Mary and Lyle lived in Winthrop the last 25 years of her life, enjoying the valley’s beauty, hiking and recreation. She spent many hours volunteering with Methow Trails, Methow Valley Youth Soccer, Mazama Pancake breakfasts and refereeing youth soccer games. Mary continued to pour her heart into her family, starting a tradition of traveling with each grandchild once they reached 10 years old. Those times are still treasured by each of the 6 grandchildren. She spent countless hours watching their soccer and basketball games, along with her 3 children’s adult sporting events. For over 60 years, another constant in Mary’s life were her dogs. Whether a rescue, stray or purebred, large or small, she loved them all. They became family to her and accompanied her on many of her adventures. Surviving family include her husband Lyle Armstrong, children Mary Lee (Tom), Jeff (Julie), Scott (Mary) and grandchildren Abigail, Kathryn, Jamie, Emma, Jace and Mia. She was preceded in death by her parents Nelson and Dorothy Lawnin, brother Michael, and former husband George. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's memory to the Okanogan Regional Humane (https://ok-humane.org/about) . This reflects her passion that all animals will be wanted and loved, and the contributions will continue her legacy of generosity. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the family, friends, and caregivers who provided love, support and comfort during this difficult time. Your presence and kind words meant the world to Mary and the family. I come here to find myself, it is so easy to get lost in the world. -John Burroughs The Mountains are calling and I must go. -John Muir. A Private service is being held.

Mary Lawnin Moseley Armstrong

May 15, 1934 - March 6, 2024