Honora B. (Mehigan) "Dolly" Armstrong

Honora Bernadette “Dolly” Armstrong

December 27, 1933 – May 10, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother , aunt and friend. She died with peace and grace on May 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Honora was born in Rumford, Maine to Thomas and Maryanne Mehigan on December 27,1933. She was the third oldest of five siblings. She cherished her small-town New England upbringing and said it shaped her lifelong dedication to community and faith. She would return to Maine every year to visit with family and friends.

Honora devoted her life to caring for others. Soon after graduating high school, she became a registered nurse at Malden Hospital. She touched countless lives with her compassionate spirit and dedication to the wellbeing of her patients. She always said, ” Once a nurse, always a nurse”. After many fulfilling years in nursing, she carried her nurturing nature into her home, raising five children with love and devotion. She returned to nursing after she raised her family. Honora was a private nurse for a quadriplegic patient who considered her as a dear friend and a part of her family.

Not long after graduating from nursing school she married the love of her life, Donald Armstrong. They remained happily married for 49 years until his passing in 2010. After a brief stay in Manchester, Connecticut, they raised their family in Marlboro, Massachusetts. When not carpooling her five children to hockey, football, baseball, basketball, skiing, golf, bowling , swimming, track, softball, band, dance or baton twirling ; she found time to become a terrific dancer and won numerous dance contests with Donald. Honora also enjoyed cross country skiing, bowling, swimming and golf.

Honora was known for the joy she brought to countless family gatherings with her delicious meals and festive holiday decorations. Her home was always filled with love and laughter. She had a unique gift for making every celebration special, reminding us of the importance of family and togetherness. She will be deeply missed but always remembered in our hearts and cherished traditions.

Honora loved to travel. She enjoyed family vacations at lake houses in Maine and New Hampshire. She would visit family in Prince Edward Island in Canada and family in Ireland on her trips through Europe. Her travels also brought her to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico and most of the Continental United States. One of her favorite trips was a sleeper car train ride through the Canadian Rockies. Honora traveled with her daughter Kerry to Barcelona Spain, Rome, Tuscany and Venice Italy, Paris and Versailles France at the age of 81. She traveled to St Louis for her son Mark’s college graduation. As she pulled into the airport , he had just completed his flight instructor’s check ride. He insisted on taking her flying so she could be his first student. He handed over the controls to her, and she had the thrill of flying the airplane.

Honora was a devout Catholic. She was active at St. Matthias Parish and was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Bereavement Committee . She generously volunteered her time at numerous annual parish functions where she found purpose and fellowship. Her strong connection to her faith guided her through life’s challenges, including the passing of her twin boys Thomas and John whom she lost at birth. Her sorrow from this loss stayed with her

throughout her life but only deepened her capacity for love and compassion. Her home had numerous reminders of Thomas and John but only evident to those that knew of her loss. Honora also relied on her faith as she battled dementia in her later years. Despite the trials she faced, her spirit remained resilient, and her heart was forever filled with love.

Honora had a love for animals and especially enjoyed caring for her cherished companion dog Remy.

The family is grateful for the support of Pat. Pat has been a welcome presence in Honora’s life for the past four years. She took Honora to biweekly sessions at the Senior Center to enjoy crafts, ceramics and the camaraderie of the other seniors. Honora never turned down an offer to stop for ice cream on the ride home. The trips to the Senior Center had recently ceased, but Pat still came twice a week to do artwork and spend time with Honora.

Honora is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Theresa (Jim), Katherine (Robert), Sheila (Don), and brother Robert, her sons Thomas and John, her loving husband of 49 years Donald Armstrong. She will be missed by her children Stephen, Mark (Gloria), Kevin (Jasmine), Kerry (Dave), David (Heather), her grandchildren MaryAnn Honora, Austin and Louis. Honora was a loving wife, extraordinary mother, proud grandmother, loyal sister and beloved aunt whose warmth and wisdom touched her entire family.

A mass will be held on May 18, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Michael’s Parish 21 Manning St. Hudson, MA 01749.  Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough, Massachusetts where Honora will be laid to eternal rest beside her devoted husband Donald.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Honora’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, as a tribute to her strength and the compassion she shared throughout her life by referring to the link below.