Colleen P. Armstrong Print E-mail

Colleen P. Armstrong

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend;



Colleen P. (Perron) Armstrong, 70, beloved wife of Paul D. Armstrong with whom she recently celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 27th. She enjoyed a full life, often surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A longtime resident of Lowell MA, she was born to the late Bernard C. and the late Estelle (Parent) Perron.

A student of the Immaculate Conception school, Colleen was a 1969 graduate of Lowell High School, where she was a proud member of the Girl Officers Club. Later in life, Colleen went on to earn her Associate of Science degree from Middlesex Community College.

She worked for many years as an office manager for Northeastern Consulting Forestry Services. Additionally, she had a lengthy career as a transportation specialist for Lowell schools. Colleen made many lifelong connections with the students and teachers of St. Joseph High School, as well as many other Lowell schools where she was known and loved.

Colleen participated in numerous social organizations where she made many friends throughout the years. Amongst these many groups were the Women’s Club of St. Rita’s Parish in Lowell, The Red Hat Society, Merrimack Friends and Family, Merrimack Senior Citizens Club and Our Lady of Mercy Ladies’ Guild in Merrimack, NH.

Aside from spending as much time as possible with her family, Colleen’s interests included her love of Lake Winnipesaukee and a passion for genealogy. She spent summers at her family’s vacation home for more than 60 years at Lake Shore Park in Gilford, NH. Not surprisingly, she was once crowned “Miss Lake Shore Park” in a local beauty pageant.

Later in life, she inherited her father’s passion for genealogy and ancestry. Her father had traced their ancestry back several centuries with deep French and French-Canadian roots. Colleen worked tirelessly to trace the reach of her very large family, often reuniting cousins and other family members who maintain strong bonds thanks to her efforts.

Colleen’s family was the center of her world and as the Matriarch of her family, she was the glue that held us together and will forever be our guiding light.

In addition to her beloved husband Paul, Colleen is survived by 4 loving children: Mark Armstrong and his wife Holly of Dracut, MA; Keith Armstrong and his wife Sherrie of Chelmsford, MA; Justine Matte and her husband John of Merrimack, NH; and Heather Armstrong and her fiancé Steven Munroe of Townsend, MA; an extremely proud and enthusiastic Grandma to 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Katlynn (Armstrong) Wageling, Tyler Armstrong, Rachel Armstrong, Rileigh Armstrong, Stephanie Matte, Julia Matte, Ethan Matte, Morgan Armstrong, Brady Matte, Marissa Matte, Leah Munroe and great grandchildren Emma, Eleanor and Sarah Wageling; Colleen is also survived by her 4 sisters: Gloria Allard of Seattle WA; Dianne Callahan and her husband Tim of Portsmouth NH; Pamela Stoddard and her husband Butch of Gilford NH and Christine Pilgram of Salt Lake City, UT; and many nieces and nephews whom she held very dear to her heart. She is also survived by beloved family members: Beth Perron of Ipswich MA; Sandra Garneau and her husband Lee of Hudson NH; Michael Armstrong and his wife Joan of Lowell MA and Eileen Armstrong of San Francisco CA.

Colleen is predeceased by her late brothers John C. Perron and Bernard C. Perron Jr. as well as in-laws Robert and Maureen Armstrong, Edward Allard and Michael Callahan.

Relatives and friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 4 to 8 P.M. Monday August 3, 2020. (All state required social distancing procedures will be observed including the wearing of masks upon entrance into the Funeral Home). Due to Covid 19 restrictions Funeral Services will be private for the family on Tuesday. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) -458-8768.

Condolences (23)
  • Ted & Peggy Jump
    Paul and the entire Armstrong family, PEGGY and I were shocked an greatly saddened to read about your tremendous loss. Colleen was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our prayers are with you Paul and with your entire family.
  • Martha & Charlie Piper  - God be with you all !
    Dearest Paul , and entire family , children , grandchildren great grandchildren , Peron and Armstrong families, there are no words that will console you for this terrible loss in all your lives . Our heart goes to you all . We are so sorry for the heartache and sorrow you all feel . May God be with you all and give you strength, comfort and His Holy Peace .
  • Tammy Lambrou
    Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Love you Steph Matte❤️
  • Terrence Gormley  - For Colleen
    To the Perron and Armstrong Families, May you all find strength in this sad moment, as Colleen will always be remembered as one of perseverance and care for all.
  • Greta Moran  - Condolences to the Family of Colleen
    I am so saddened and shocked at the passing of your beloved Colleen. I met Colleen at Merrimack Meadows! We had great times laughs and cries from the time we met! She was warm and friendly person! I cannot imagine your loss! I am sorry I cannot be at her wake as my cousin passed away also last week! My heart is with you at this difficult time. Colleen talked about all of you her loving family which she took great pride in telling me all about her family especially the children! May God provide each of you comfort as you grieve her loss. God Bless you and may God also provide Colleen everlasting Peace! Until we all meet again!
  • Cindy & Larry Eddy
    Mark, Holly, Rileigh and Morgan - We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace in your hearts as your remember all the love your mom/grandma brought to your lives. Love and hugs to all of you.
  • Ed Bellegarde  - Mark and Holly
    Jane and I are sorry to hear of Colleens passing. Our condolences and prayers to you in this time of your loss. May she rise in glory.
  • Pat Kempton & Family  - Heather, Leah, and Steve
    We are so very Sorry, for the Loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful Lady, and will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers for all. ❤️
  • Jacqueline Janas  - symapathy
    We want to send our sympathy to your family. you will be missed
  • Debbie Bellegarde
    Very sorry for your loss Mark and Holly. What a very sad situation for you guys. Just know our love and prayers are with you both.
  • Debbie Bellegarde
    So very sorry for your loss guys . What a very sad situation. Love and prayers for your loss. ❤️
  • Jane Parent  - Cousin
    Colleen was a far reaching loving hand to so many, she will be sorely missed.
  • Kristi (Stoddard) Gillette
    My deepest condolences. I will always remember Colleen’s bright smiling face whenever I asked about her children and grandchildren. Every one of you brought such joy to her. She was always quick to share pictures and stories about the family. Please know you are all in my prayers. I know the tremendous loss that this is. Colleen left a legacy of love, kindness and compassion for others. May you all take comfort in the wonderful memories and examples of true family love she embraced.
  • Bewley Family
    We are so incredibly sorry to hear this devastating news. Justine, John, Stephanie, Julia, Ethan, Brady and Marissa (and the rest of the family) you are all in our hearts and minds. Every time I saw your Mom she always had a big smile and was a joy to be around.
  • Phyllis V. Ekins  - Merrimack Senior Citizen Club member
    Colleen, may your spirit know your 15th of Jul 2020 note to me & later text will be forever cherished. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to each member of Colleen's family. Your wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend will be sorely missed. Many of you were introduced to me @ various times in our chats together. Colleen was an active, participating member of our Merrimack Senior Citizen's Club. At whatever point-in-time we will be meeting again is unknown. When we do, it can be said for certain her absence will be deeply felt my many within the group. The joy of her being will be with each of you and me as well. PEACE.
  • Linda Lojko
    So so sorry to hear the shocking and unbelievable news about your mom. She was a wonderful person and a great warrior for many causes. She had so many wonderful qualities and loved life and her family. We will all miss her. God bless and much love LINDA Lojko and family
  • Irene and Wayne Jenness  - Friends of Colleen
    On behalf of the Merrimack Senior Citizen Club and Our Lady of Mercy Ladies Guild we offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Colleen. She was an energetic and fun loving member of both Organizations,she volunteered to help us when she could. She was also part of the Red Hat Ladies and always ready for fun with the Ladies. She will be missed. She is with the Lord and in his tender care. Sincerely, Irene and Wayne
  • Phil & Cyndi Clayton  - Sending our love
    We are so deeply sorry to hear about Colleen's accident and passing, and know that it was also Paul's birthday. We have such fond memories of the fun times we had together back in the 80's and it doesn't seem real that she's gone. Sending all our love and wishing each of you peace during this saddest of times.
  • Marguerite Parent Moreau  - Dear Armstrong family
    I want to send my condolences to the family. I met your mother when my daughter found her while searching our family tree. My grandfather was Joseph Parent, he was your mother's uncle. Your parents made a trip to Feeding Hills to meet us. It was such a nice visit. I have keep intouch through Facebook. I will miss following her posts. Marguerite Parent Moreau.
  • Pamela Soucy  - Friends family from Merrimack
    My condolences on loss of family matriarch Leaves behind many friends family near far
  • Pamela Soucy  - family friends from merrimack nh
    My condolences on loss of family matriarch. leaves behind family friends near / far
  • Keith  - ❤️
    I love you mom ❤️
  • Rebecca Garneau
    Aunt Colleen, you were the most caring and loving person I knew. You were always there for family distant or not and you will be greatly missed. I love and miss you!
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