ARMSTRONG, Viola “Vi” (née Knelsen)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Viola “Vi” Armstrong (née Knelsen) in Sudbury, Ontario on July 21, 2026, at the age of 89, with her loving family by her side.

Vi was born on February 6, 1937, in Kelstern, Saskatchewan, to the late Jacob and Mary Knelsen. She was married to the late Kenneth Armstrong; sister to the late Ed (Lavina) and the late Hilda (Ray/Manfred), and Dennis (Rosemary/Gwen); cherished mother to Derek (Debra) and the late Robert (Kristine); loving grandmother to Heather, Jin, and Lili; proud great-grandmother to Katie, Haley, Leland, and Carter; and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Vi grew up in the small mainly Mennonite community of Kelstern, Saskatchewan, where her parents owned the local general store. She often spoke fondly of helping in the family store, playing with her childhood friends, and looking out after her kid brother. Those early years helped shape the caring and hardworking woman she would become.

Vi left her hometown to complete high school in Moose Jaw, before attending business school in Regina to become a comptometer operator. Inspired by friends at her boarding house who had joined the Navy, Vi decided to enlist as well. Being too young for the Navy, she instead joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, beginning a journey that would lead to a lifetime of adventure.

Following basic training, she was posted to Goose Bay, Labrador, as a telecommunications operator. There she met her future husband Kenneth Armstrong. At the time, military regulations required women to leave the service upon marriage, so when Ken enlisted in the Air Force, Vi began a new chapter as a devoted wife and mother.

Together they embraced military life, raising their sons Derek and Bob while moving to locations across Canada and overseas. Their postings took them to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba; Metz, France; Angus, Rockcliffe, and Ottawa, Ontario. While living in Ottawa, Vi worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist in both medical and dental offices. She took great pride in her work and built lasting friendships wherever life took her.

Their final posting, to Penhold, Alberta, realized a family dream of moving back to the west. After Ken’s retirement, they settled in Lethbridge, Alberta, where they built their life together until Ken’s passing in 1999. Lethbridge became especially meaningful to Vi. It was there that her first grandchild, Heather, was born in 1980. Just four years later, tragedy struck when their beloved son Bob was killed in a car accident. Although the loss profoundly changed her life, Vi faced it with remarkable courage and determination. Choosing to move forward, she returned to school at Lethbridge College to study drafting and successfully began a new career.

Throughout her years in Lethbridge, Vi built a strong network of friends through activities that included golf, curling, volunteering and in later years quilting.

In 2021, Vi made the difficult decision to leave Lethbridge and move to Sudbury to be closer to her son Derek and his family. Although she knew she would miss her family and many cherished friends in Alberta, she embraced this new chapter and opportunity to create new memories in Ontario.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers, and caregivers at the Northeast Cancer Centre, especially Dr. G. and Dr. F. and nurse J. from Palliative Symptom Management Clinic, for the exceptional care and kindness they provided. Sincere thanks are also extended to the incredible staff, nurses, physicians, personal support workers, and volunteers at Maison McCulloch Hospice, whose compassion and dignity made her final days peaceful and comfortable.

Vi will be remembered for her quiet strength, resilience, humanity, generosity, and love of family. She lived a life marked by perseverance, service, friendship, and grace. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of Vi’s life will be held in Lethbridge, Alberta, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maison McCulloch Hospice, the HSN Foundation – Northern Cancer Fund, or a charity of your choice in Vi’s memory.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cooperativefuneralhome.ca

• Date : 2026-07-21
• Location : Sudbury, Ontario