ARMSTRONG, Julie (nee Escher)

June 12, 1969 – October 3, 2018

 

Julie Armstrong, beloved wife of Rick, loving mother of Braden, Findlay, and Jorja, daughter of Alfred Escher and sister to Rick, Caroline, Allan, Anika and Anjo, passed away on October 3rd after a battle with cancer which she faced with courage and grace.

Born and raised in Calgary, Julie was a truly unselfish person who always put others ahead of herself.  Julie took great pleasure from her three children, Braden, Findlay, and Jorja, and enjoyed trading sports news and stats with her son Findlay.  Those who knew Julie know she believed parenting was the most important job a person could undertake.  Raising independent, capable children was her mission.  Losing her mother, Betty, when she was 11, helped make Julie the strong and independent person she was.  Julie gave up her position with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 1998 the day before Braden was born, to dedicate herself to raising her children (Rick included!). Physical activity and a healthy balanced lifestyle were important to her.  Julie was an animal lover and a long time vegetarian and vegan.  She loved the mountains and her favourite activities were camping, and skiing with her family and friends.  Julie had an excellent memory; she never forgot a birthday!  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from U of C.  Volunteering has always been a big part of Julie’s life with organizations such as the Calgary ‘88 Olympics, PAL’s (Pet Access League), The Red Cross, Rocky View School District, Winsport and the Cochrane Humane Society.  Shortly before her illness, Julie returned to work for the Town of Cochrane.

Julie’s presence will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.  Thank you to the generous and caring friends, neighbours and family members who supported Julie and her family during the past nine months with rides, casseroles, treats, gifts and love.

At Julie’s request there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Alberta Children’s Hospital.

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  1. On October 5, 2018 at 1:17 pm Joyce & Bob Hipkin Said:

    “Our deepest sympathy to Rick, Braden, Findlay, & Jorja. Also to the rest of Julie’s family & close
    friends who are going to miss her so much. She was such a wonderful,devoted mother, who raised three
    independent & responsible children along side of Rick.We will miss her very much as a much loved
    neighbour & friend.
    Love Bob & Joyce

  2. On October 5, 2018 at 4:40 pm John Maze Said:

    One need not look far to see how Julie enriched us all. When my Ashley was new to the world, Julie doted over her. Her influence and love have been imprinted on all of our group’s children. The kids always came first with Julie, and we all loved her for it. Braden, Findlay, Jorja and Rick; you have my deepest sympathies, my support, and my love.

  3. On October 5, 2018 at 6:49 pm Joan Carmichael Said:

    Carol and Art …
    Julie brought so much love and caring into your world and she leaves behind the gift of three loving and caring grandchildren. How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful daughter-in-law.
    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja …
    It was such a delight to meet all your lovely family when you dropped in here about five years ago. I was so impressed by the strong feeling of love that flowed from Julie and held you all together at that time. How lucky you are to have had such love. I hope you can hold onto it as you and your children move on day by day.

  4. On October 5, 2018 at 7:46 pm Sharon, Roy Campbell and family Said:

    Rick and family
    We are so saddened for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
    Sharon, Roy, Keegan and Brenna. Campbell

  5. On October 6, 2018 at 10:11 am Janice and Dan Said:

    ~ Rick, Braden, Findlay, & Jorja ~ Words can not express the sadness our family feels over the loss of Julie. Julie was the perfect neighbour always willing to help out when needed. She was the best mom ever, always putting her kids including Rick first. We admired her love of both animals and nature. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

  6. On October 6, 2018 at 11:29 am Joanne Rieberer Said:

    Dear Rick, Braden, Findlay & Jorja
    We are so sad to hear this tragic news. Our deepest condolences to you all! Julie was a very special person and always had a kind word for everyone around her. God Bless you all.

    Joanne, Will and Dylan Rieberer

  7. On October 6, 2018 at 12:42 pm Mary Beattie Said:

    Carol, Art, Rick and Family,
    So sorry to have this news. Julie from all the entries was a beautiful and loving soul.
    Treasure the memories.
    Mary Beattie

  8. On October 6, 2018 at 4:48 pm Nusl Family Said:

    Treasured memories will never be far away. Julie’s loving, giving spirit was evident to all of us in the community. Sending you all our deepest condolences.

  9. On October 7, 2018 at 9:11 am Wunder Family Said:

    Julie was such a constant and kind presence in so many of the school and community activities our kids shared, her passing is a tremendous loss. Our thoughts are with all of you.
    Ron, Kim, Shelby, Jared and Cody

  10. On October 7, 2018 at 9:59 am Leslie Carmichael Said:

    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja,
    I can’t begin to understand what you must be going through right now. What I do know is that when Rick introduced Julie and the kids to my mother and me, one thing was very clear: There is a huge amount of love in your family. At this time of terrible loss, at least I know that you are surrounded by people who love you. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart too.

  11. On October 7, 2018 at 1:02 pm Troy, Sonya, Kaitlyn and Kendra Said:

    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja

    We are sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Thinking of you during this time.

    Troy, Sonya, Kaitlyn and Kendra O’Hearn

  12. On October 8, 2018 at 9:37 am Rebecca Carroll Said:

    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja,

    Julie was a very special person and a wonderful Mom. The love that she gave you all will always be with you. I will miss her friendship and awesome wit.

  13. On October 8, 2018 at 11:30 am Julian and Sharon Said:

    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja
    We are deeply saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. Although we did not know your family well, we just always felt Julie was a special mother and person. Her loving spirit will be with all of you forever, and she has a place in our hearts as well. Thinking of her and your family. Julian and Sharon

  14. On October 9, 2018 at 7:57 am Martin Kathrens Said:

    Rick & Family –
    We are so terribly sorry to hear of your great loss. During this time of extreme emotional stress, we would like to extend our best wishes to you Rick, your children and your extended family.
    Martin, Deb & Spencer

  15. On October 9, 2018 at 12:21 pm Kelly Said:

    Rick and family
    Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones. May hurt and sadness be only temporary and your
    love and memories last forever. Thinking of you Rick. Take care of yourself.
    Ed, Tag & Kelly Gallagher

  16. On October 9, 2018 at 2:49 pm Gary Vickers Said:

    Rick and Family, I was so sad to hear this news. You will be in our thoughts as you work through the next part of your journey as a family.

  17. On October 10, 2018 at 5:39 am Jason Roberge Said:

    Rick and Family-
    May memories of Julie and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
    Jason Roberge

  18. On October 10, 2018 at 11:11 am Novak Family Said:

    Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorja – one of our kids shared the sad news about Julie today. Our hearts go out to you as you deal with your loss. Know that we are thinking of you as you navigate this journey.
    Jason, Jill, Josh, Emma, Nicole

  19. On October 11, 2018 at 9:23 am Hofer Family Said:

    Dear Rick and Family, We are deeply sorry to hear about Julie’s passing. She was such a special and caring person. We had many good laughs and visits throughout our time spent together during our kids hockey seasons. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Joe, Julie and Jordan

  20. On October 11, 2018 at 9:31 am Katt Hryciw Said:

    To Braden, Findlay, and Jorja,
    I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful woman and all of us here at Manachaban have many wonderful memories of her helping out whenever she was needed. So many field trips, annual Walkathons, tuck shop days, and other special events wouldn’t have been possible without her dedication and kindness. We’re all thinking of you at this difficult time.
    Mme Katt

  21. On October 11, 2018 at 11:09 am Molly Shier Said:

    My deepest sympathy and prayers to all the family in your loss of Julie.

  22. On October 15, 2018 at 9:37 am Raelyn Bauer Said:

    Dear Rick, Braden, Findlay and Jorga,
    We are so saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Love to you all,
    Raelyn, Steve, Nicole, Jenna and Ty Bauer

  23. On October 16, 2018 at 7:40 am Frederick Taylor Said:

    To Braden, Findlay and Jorja,
    I would like to send to the three of you my deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. I have many fond memories of her on the countless field trips that she accompanied/participated in with me or the school over the years. Wishing you all the very best in this very difficult time.

    Frederick Taylor
    Manachaban Middle School

  24. On October 16, 2018 at 8:14 pm Lea Norris Said:

    Since I heard the news about Julie’s passing, I keep thinking of her kindness, quiet strength and what a loving mom and wife she was. I am so sorry for your loss. Lea, Sam and Jenna Norris

  25. On October 17, 2018 at 1:05 pm Kim & Gary Bredeson Said:

    To Rick and family,
    We are shocked to hear of Julie’s passing, she will be truly missed by those who knew her. I always appreciated her familiar and friendly face in the parent crowd through all those years of either soccer or hockey when we crossed paths. She was one of those parents you could count on to be taking an active role in volunteering; making sure the kids were well looked after. Take care, our condolences to all of you. Kim, Gary, Tryg, Seiver & Talleiv Bredeson

  26. On October 21, 2018 at 4:11 pm Tracy & Pete Guthrie Said:

    Dear Rick and family,

    We were so very sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Our hearts go out to you all. Julie struck me as a kind, supportive wife and mother, and a community-minded person. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
    Tracy, Pete, Mitchell and Camryn

  27. On October 21, 2018 at 7:29 pm Sandra Scott Said:

    I am so sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. She was truly a wonderful person. All my love to her family and friends.

  28. On October 21, 2018 at 7:31 pm Sandra Scott Said:

    I am so sorry for the typo. Julie’s name was typed wrong above. I am so sad to hear of her passing. All my love.

  29. On October 23, 2018 at 6:47 pm Val Vincent Said:

    To Rick and family.

    We are saddened to hear of Julie’s passing and send our deepest sympathy and prayers for you all to be able to remember all the good times with Julie to keep her memory alive and keep you all strong. Val & Garth

  30. On July 21, 2020 at 4:12 am Blake McCarthy Said:

    Oh my! The world has lost an Angel.
    Julia Paula Escher might have been one of the funniest ladies I’ve ever known. Her dry wit, no nonsense humour was brilliant.
    Teamed with her pal Cindy, they were the “Havenhurst Howlers“
    I always thought great souls would grace this planet forever.
    Missing a terrific, young and energetic person.
    Julie, you will never evade my thoughts, prayers, and memories.