Elizabeth Ann Armstrong
Elizabeth Ann Armstrong
Obituary
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Elizabeth Armstrong Obituary
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33 Entries
Kelly Shannon
August 20, 2010
My dear sweet Liz,
I saw a shooting star the other night, beautiful, dazzling white light blaze across the sky, and in an instant it was gone. You are this star Lil. Your brilliant light shone on all of us and in an instant you were gone.
I have prayed Liz that you are one with the universe and that you have "let go, let God".
You will always be alive in my heart and I promise to see you in everything beautiful. You taught me that. We miss you so much Lizzie and honoured your birthday with heavy hearts.
Love Kelly
January 6, 2010
Liz, you always taught those around you to notice the greatness in each moment.I have some of my happiest memories of dancing with you, joking, watching you walk on the egde of life with risky creative abandon and love. The hot pink bathtub, Esplanade,sharing my 1st apartment with you, consoling one another about our romantic partners,eating meals that you savored...Thank you dear friend. I will see you in my dreams and on the other side.
Hugs and comfort to all her sweet family and husband.
Louise Day Newman,
Oakland , California
Lizzy and Alexander dancing. Montréal circa 1987
Alexander C. Efstathopoulos
November 19, 2009
In life some people are so vivid and vibrant that the idea of their physical passing from the world comes like a punch in the stomach. It’s difficult to find a way to address such a loss of this kind in a natural way. It seems unnatural.
We are here today to honor the memory of Elizabeth Ann Armstrong Shannon. I want to share some of my personal memories of what Elizabeth meant to me as a dear friend and perhaps in kind to some of you as well.
I first met Elizabeth or Lizzy as she allowed me to call her in time, when she showed up at high school one day with a mutual friend. I remember a slight pretty girl with a shy demeanor and an intense and steady gaze.
When she looked at me it was like she had a huge secret she wanted to share, sort of a Mona Lisa smile and she intrigued me. I was nervous, sensitive, hiding behind big coke bottled purple glasses and some how she sensed this and chose to befriend me.
Our friendship deepened over the seasons. I really got to know Lizzy better. We shared our thoughts and discussed our dreams for what we hoped the future would bring.
The seasons came and went and we changed with them. One spring, Lizzy blossomed overnight into a remarkably beautiful young woman, who was a step ahead of me or a step out of time. She wore vintage dresses and made them look like they were designed off the rack for her; she truly made me giddy with just the ringing of her musical laughter in my ears.
She was unique, a classic Irish beauty. If she had been born before the era of sound films, she would have been a great silent movie star. Of course she loved having her picture taken. So we took many.
Once she convinced me that we could float like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers entwined gracefully in each other’s arms. We danced together on the stairs of the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. We were all elbows and knees but when she wanted to, Lizzy made me feel like I could do almost anything.
We all know she could be very willful and demanding. Often when she could not afford something she would find a way to get a male suitor to buy it for her. I would chastise her for the debt incurred and she would look at me with heavy lidded eyes and murmur in her beautiful musical voice… “Oh Alex don’t be so hard on me, I deserve it”.
She lived romantically in her room on the plateau. Writing stories, and painting her art. Her room was always full of fresh flowers. We discussed every thing from film, to literature, art and mythology. There were no bounds when it came to her creative earnestness.
In her library were volumes by Collette, Elizabeth Smart, Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare and Homer. She inspired me to read more and to paint.
Of Lizzy, I choose to view her life as a circle, one that never really ends or closes it just goes on eternally.
When it is my time. I believe, I truly believe, that I will see her again, walking towards me arms outstretched in some glamorous dress, giddy and laughing, and she will say “Alex… I just finished writing this marvelous story that I need you to read” and she will share it with me and make me feel safe and privileged.
Just like she did for so many seasons.
I will miss her most when autumn leaves start to fall for that is when we lost her and she was like a summer rose.
Let winter come then, for Lizzy’s memory is like Persephone’s who was carried off into the under world by the God of death Hades in Greek Mythology.
Through her character and beauty, she charmed death into releasing her back to the living for a while. Each spring she returns and with her; brings forth rebirth and renewal to the human spirit.
She forever holds the promise of flowers, vibrant laughter and that a soul is eternal. These are the memories Elizabeth Ann Armstrong Shannon that you cultivated in my heart and many others. Thank you all for allowing me to share them with you today.
- Shared with Family and Friends at Hurly's Pub in Montréal November 14th, 2009.
Nancy Brian
November 18, 2009
Life is a journey, I think we can all agree on that.
On November 14th, 2009, Family & Friends of the late Elizabeth Ann Shannon, better known to us as Lizzy, gathered together to say farewell. At St: Monica's Church in Montreal; a mass was held for Lizzy. Tara, with such grace and beauty, read an intimate Eulogy. Tara shared memories of her Irish Twin sister with heartfelt grief, sorrow and disbelief.
Following the service we gathered at Hurley's in Montreal for an old fashioned Irish Wake. Many memories of Lizzy were shared through out the evening. As I looked around the room, I could see Lizzy's spirit in everyone. Every person shared a unique relationship with Lizzy and still there was so much more of Lizzy to know.
Like trees, of which Lizzy loved to sketch, we can stay interconnected to Lizzy as individuals by a system of roots and , as part of a family, friends or a community, we can stand tall and from shared hidden strength weather our sadness together.
Let as all Keep Lizzy in our thoughts and in our hearts forever and always.
Here is a little quote I think Lizzy would approve of:
Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.
Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing - Lizzy was blessed.
Rest in Peace Miss Lizzy, We all can't shine as bright as you but we can twinkle - Shine on my friend, until we meet again.
All my love,
Nancy
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Kimmy Chedel
November 18, 2009
My Dear Tara,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I have so many fond memories of high school with you and Lizzie. I send you lots of love and courage. Please be in touch when you get a chance.
Satu Fibbiani
November 18, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. I can only imagine the shock & the pain you are feeling. I have not seen Lizzy in years, but my memories are sweet and I can can remember someone who gave alot, laughed alot, and enjoyed life. Be strong and we will all keep her alive in our thoughts.
Craig Shannon
November 18, 2009
My deepeest condolences to all the family.
Craig Shannon
dan Shannon
November 16, 2009
I remember swimming in Lake Champlain with Lizzy, Tara and uncle Bob, sweet times with sweet people...
-Dan
Renee
November 12, 2009
Dearest Lizzie,
It is worth revisiting the past to recall magical images of your mischievousness, laughter, love and passion. You were an integral part of the fun and abandon of the collective experiences of my youth. May your light shine as brightly in your next life.
Wishing, peace, courage, strength and love to all whose lives you touched and who remain here to soldier on and cherish precious memories of you.
Namaste
Brendan Eidse
November 4, 2009
I miss you and love you so much Aunty Lizzy. I wish we had had more time together but I am comforted by the many memories I cherish especially from my childhood. I will never forget how you made a room feel so magical just by your presence. I'll love you forever.
Your Buffalo, Brendan
Helene Van Houtte
October 28, 2009
My sincere and deepest condolences.
Many years have passed since I last saw Lizzy, yet the energy she gave off with her smile and brightness are as vivid as if I had just seen her.
My mind is being inundated with memories as I write this…..St-Adele, Westmount, NDG, New Years Eve in Montreal….
Lizzy certainly made her mark on me! I will forever have that smiling face engraved in my mind, and her brightness in my heart.
Elizabeth & Peter Armstrong Circa 1992
October 27, 2009
Suzanne, Alexander, Elizabeth, Robert. Montréal Circa 1987
October 27, 2009
Leigh Shannon
October 25, 2009
I only met Elizabeth briefly. I will always remember I liked her instantly. She sparkled and had a contagious laugh. Her painting is prominent in our home. I am sorry for the losses to all her family and friends.
The Vanity, Elizabeth Shannon
October 25, 2009
Lizzy and Nancy at Higgins Beach - many great memories of laughter
October 24, 2009
Even when surprised by a camera - Lizzy's joy always shined
October 24, 2009
Inspirational Higgins Beach; Maine, Queen Liz, Tara and Nancy
October 24, 2009
I can hear your laughter
Nancy Brian
October 24, 2009
To Family and Friends, my sincere and deepest condolences for the tragic loss of our beautiful and unique Lizzy.
Gratitude, love, kind thoughts, words and actions brings light into our lives. Lizzy, you filled my life with light. The joy of living comes from within - and you Lizzy brought joy to everyone who knew you.
The world always has lots to say about who we are. To just be yourself is the true challenge of life.
Lizzy, you were always honest and truthful in all that you did - you never let the 'go with the flow' conform you nor did you fall in with any crowd.
"There is no other person like you" So keep your ambitions, your hopes and dreams alive where ever you are and I will see your light for life where ever I am.
Here is a Victorian child's prayer to share with you today:
Bless the bed that I lie on.
Four corners to my bed,
Four Angels there to spread:
One at my head, one at my feet,
And two to guard me while I sleep.
God within and God without,
And Jesus Christ all round about;
If any danger come to me,
Sweet Jesus Christ deliver me.
Before I lay me down to sleep,
I give my soul to Christ to keep;
And if I die before I wake
I pray that Christ my soul will take.
The bridge between life and death is Love. I Love You Lizzy and will miss you forever and always - until we meet again, rest in peace my love.
Danny Tkacz
October 24, 2009
"I always thought that i'd see you again"
James Taylor / Fire and Rain
Danny Tkacz
October 23, 2009
It's been a long time Lizzy...too long...too late.
Although my memories of you and Tara are still vivid in my mind, they are filled with regret in not keeping in touch over the years.
Let that be a lesson to me.
I'll never forget waiting on your doorstep for you guys to come out so we could go "do something".
My deepest condolences to your family , friends and all the people you have touched over the years.
May your star shine bright Elizabeth Shannon.
Farewell old friend...
Woman and vase April 1987 Artist - ELizabeth Shannon
Alexander C. Efstathopoulos
October 23, 2009
lynda watson
October 22, 2009
Your sisters called you LizBiz... I have never asked why. Perhaps it was a simple childhood rhyme, an endearing little name gifted to someone who would grow up to become a radiantly graceful and glamorous women. Your presence would light up a room. Lizbiz please know how deeply loved you are. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Bob Shannon
October 22, 2009
I stand alone in a prairie field looking at the sky, There is beauty there, but I don't care, you know the reason why. I stand alone in a prairie field looking at the sky, perhaps one day, we each will say, a word that's not goodbye. I stand alone in a prairie field looking at the sky.
Classic Irish Beauty
Alexander C. Efstathopoulos
October 21, 2009
There was a girl who charmed my life and brightened the world around her. Her laughter was like no other note I ever heard ring in my ear, it made me giddy when I was young and uncertain of my place in the world.
There was a woman with a strong compulsion to justify her existence through her writing and her art and she struggled constantly with the flame of creativity .
I have a painting which I treasured many times over the years and has now become priceless. A figure of a muted female kneeling in a window caressing a rose from a vase.
It is wistful and melancholy at the same time, delicate like sunlight passing through the stained glass of a sacred church window.
The girl and the woman are artfully merged in my poetic memory. I stare at it and always see you Elizabeth, laughing and scheming and plotting to conquer the world. Instead you conquered my heart and have it always.
Rest in peace....
Marlene Jackson-Toth
October 21, 2009
Lizzy was my friend for a short time a very long time ago, but I can remember those days like they were yesterday. Thank you for the friendship and the laughter and the wonderful indelible memories that always bring a smile to my face.
Frank Pedicelli
October 21, 2009
Although I did not really know Lizzy very well, I have heard many wonderful and cooky stories about her. Lizzy has touched the lives of many and will surly be missed. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends.
October 20, 2009
Beauty is truth and truth beauty and you are both, dearest little one. You are now that divine spray of light that we used to call the Milky Way and which shall hereafter be known as Elizabeth's Footsteps tripping the light fantastic across the universe.
Gail Shannon, oldest sister, Montreal
Tara Shannon
October 20, 2009
Although my heart is broken, I will cherish the innumerable gifts Lizzy has given me. Her bountiful spirit and humanity touched so many people, and I as her sister, her Irish Twin, received so much.
I laughed so hard and cried so easily with Lizzy, immediate recognition from a lifetime of memories and references that we alone shared. She was truly my touchstone, my beautiful and creative sister whose heart was bigger than any I have known.
Elizabeth, my sister, my mirror, you are the rarest of gems. So sparkling and unique. You raised me more than anyone. I carry your shining Light within me, always. Tara.
John de Gruchy
October 19, 2009
I am so saddened to read about this. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Robert Assels
October 19, 2009
Thankfully she left me with a treasure chest of memories, most of them happy and humourous, and every one of them vibrant. The world just got a bit more boring. Miss you Liz.
Suzanne Fleischman
October 19, 2009
I am sending all of you my love and strength in this difficult time. I know Liz is watching over you. She is a bright light and a beautiful soul. She is a part of my heart and I am grateful that she was my friend. She truly made my life better.
Love Sue
Lizzie loved this photo
October 19, 2009
My beautiful sister that the stars kiss every night, my heart is with you across time and space.
Love Kel
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