Elizabeth Murray Armstrong
April 21, 1923 - July 7, 2009
Obituary
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Armstrong
Realtor, Adventurer, and ‘Aussie’
From Tara, her father’s sheep station in Queensland, Australia, to a life in America following World War II, Elizabeth Murray Armstrong, known by her friends and family both as ‘Liz’ and ‘Betty,’ knew and loved people. Prior to retiring from John L. Scott Realty, her career in real estate had spanned almost four decades. During those years she not only raised four children but also found time to pursue her love of the beach and of travel.
From becoming a fledgling Realtor in the early 1960s, to becoming a co-owner of Highline Realty, to joining the John L. Scott Company, Liz loved the real estate business and most importantly, her clients. Her unlimited energy, her zest to try something new, and her ability to help people made her the success that she became. She cared for her clients and they were her friends.
But that was how Liz lived her life, in real estate and in her family. ‘Mom has always been an adventurer,’ said Tony, oldest of Liz’ four children. ‘Anyone who could take a boat across the Pacific at the end of World War II, leave her native land and family with a one-year old on her hip to join her husband and start a new life in America, is an adventurer at heart.’
In Australia, Liz had met and married an American flyer from Georgia, Bill or ‘Pete’ Armstrong, as he was known. Their search for a good place to raise a family landed them in Seattle in 1949. As Bob, the next son and Boeing Engineer put it, ‘Mom was very independent. On their second trip from Australia through Seattle, the family got off the boat and stayed. Now that’s pretty independent considering her closest relatives were 10, 000 miles away.’
Liz and Bill made their home in Seahurst, living first in a beach cottage accessible by a natural trail, and then moving up on the ‘hill’ where Liz lived for almost 40 years, less two years in Arizona in the late 1950s – yet another great adventure. As Mark, the third in line and a consulting engineer in Oregon put it, ‘Mom would pack us in the back of the car and we would take a drive to see something new, to learn something we didn’t know. It didn’t matter if times were tough or not, Mom had us organized and off we would go. ‘
Betty was a strong, determined and practical person who worked hard for what she wanted. She enjoyed having fun, and had a strong love for her children, her husband, her grand- and her great- grandchildren. Margaret, Liz’ last child and only daughter, who also works at Boeing, remembers the day Liz received her first of many commission checks. ‘It was hanging on a string over the kitchen table. She was so proud of earning that money.’ Margaret added.
Liz was born Elizabeth Murray Illing on April 21, 1923 in Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia. She was the third of five children born to Frederick and Phyllis Illing. Liz attended boarding school until World War II, when she joined other ‘Aussies’ working on the war effort, and where she met Bill. Liz passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at Carol’s Country Cottage in Federal Way, Washington, where she was receiving loving care.
Liz is survived by her brother, Robert Illing of Sydney, Australia; her four children, Tony, Robert, Mark and his wife Melanie, and Margaret; granddaughters Dara, Jenny, Allison, Beth and Kimberly; grandsons David, Ian and Jonathan; and great-grandchildren Jake, Max and Tylor. Liz will also be missed by numerous nephews and nieces in Australia as well as Mary Lee and Martha Ann in America.
Liz will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042 425-413-9614 on Thursday, July 30th at 10 am. That afternoon, a celebration of Liz’ life will be held at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila, WA 98168 206-768-2822, from 4 to 6 pm. Messages to the family may be posted on Liz’ Guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alzwa.org.
Dear Margaret, Tony, Robert, and Mark,
I’m so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I have fond memories of many visits and overnights with Margaret at your family home. I was always warmly welcomed by your folks. It was through your family that I first learned about Australia. I remember being amazed at the treasures Margaret brought to school after a trip there: an emu egg, ostrich feathers, and photos of unusual animals. What a rich history your mom had!
My thoughts are with you,
Jody Evans Smith
PS: I’d love to get in touch, Margaret.
jodyevanssmith@aol.com
dear margaret, and families.
i am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. i know you were very close. lets all hope she is in a better place, singing and dancing with angels and pain free. may your wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time.
sherry @ dr. bakers office.
Caroline and I have shared many meals with Liz and Margaret over the past several years. We seemed to always meet at Anthony’s Home Port in Des Moines for their Lobster Fest. Liz always had a marvelous sence of humor and went out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable. I met Liz through her daughter, whom I worked with at the Boeing Company for many years. Caroline and I both consider it a privledge to have known Liz and I know she will be missed by all who knew her.
Our heart felt condolences and prayers go out to her family, especially her beloved daughter, Margaret whom was at her side and cared for her many years.
Margaret, take heart in knowing that your mom is standing at the side of her beloved husband, Bill for all eternity in the Lords home we call Heaven. You will be reunited again someday….
I have so many wonderful memories of your mother. She was always kind to me when I was a child and always welcomed me into your home. When my mother died your mom, dad and Margaret came to support us at my parent’s home in Federal Way. I offered to make coffee, but was such an emotional mess I couldn’t find either the coffee or the cups. Betty came over to me, put her arm around me and said “Here, let me do that”. She just knew. That little gesture was so like her, no nonsense, but just the touch and the perfect thing to do. That meant a lot to me at the time and still does today. She was a wonderful woman and she will be missed. I wish I could be there to say goodbye to her myself and be there for you, as she was for me. My heart is there, even if my person is not. Hugs to you all, Kay Klatt Crichton