Marcia Butler Armstrong, 89, of Shelburne, VT, formerly of Lyme, NH and Glencoe, IL, passed away on April 26, 2026. Born on June 30, 1936, Marcia lived a full and vibrant life shaped by her deep love of family, a playful spirit, and her appreciation for the beauty found in everyday things.
She shared a long and happy marriage with her husband, John David Armstrong, who preceded her in death in 2003. Together they raised six children in a home where family always came first. The traditions Marcia created and passed along became the lasting foundation for her family, connecting generations through the rituals and values she held dear.
Marcia had a keen eye for beautiful and interesting objects. That passion led her and John to establish Lyme Creamery Antiques in Lyme, NH, where she turned her love of unique finds into a vocation. Her appreciation for second-hand gems also led her to volunteer at the Bargain Barn in Lyme alongside her friends, recycling clothing and household goods to benefit her community. Wherever she lived, Marcia was an active and generous part of the world around her.
Marcia and John loved the outdoors and chose to live near lakes, forests, and mountains throughout their life. Simple beauty brought Marcia happiness—snow falling outside her window or flowers blooming by her door. She and John took their children skiing, canoeing, rafting, backpacking, and camping. While she once said she didn't really like walking, she noted that she could "run after a ball 'til the cows came home." True to her word, she played tennis, paddle, and pickleball with enthusiasm.
Marcia had a sharp, curious mind. She shared daily word games with her daughters and maintained an active reading list on Goodreads. She even tackled complex jigsaw puzzles without ever glancing at the box for guidance. A lifelong learner at heart, Marcia never stopped growing. At age 50, she became a licensed real estate broker. In her late 80s, she took up watercolor painting, quickly becoming an accomplished artist and adding yet another vibrant chapter to her already richly lived life.
Marcia is survived by her large and loving family, her favorite people in the world. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Deb Hannigan (Michael) of Buena Vista, CO; Lori Rothstein (Dan) of Taghkanic, NY; Jan Berry (Bob) of Colorado Springs, CO; Jim Armstrong (Andrea) of Vero Beach, FL; Mary Stanley (Andy) of Shelburne, VT; and Dan Armstrong (Janet) of Roswell, GA. She is also survived by her 20 grandchildren and their partners, 10 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Jan Roberts of Flagstaff, AZ. One grandchild predeceased her.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date with her family in a natural setting that Marcia would have loved.