Obituary of Mary Angela Bernadette Armstrong
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Mary Angela Bernadette Armstrong, who passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Denville, New Jersey. Mary’s legacy is one of love, family, and boundless compassion—a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born on February 13, 1949, in Carrickmacross, Ireland, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Michael and Margaret Clarke. She grew up in a lively household as one of nine siblings, a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of warmth, resilience, and selfless devotion.
Mary’s family was one that took musical talent very seriously where most of her siblings played instruments or sang. Mary was gifted with a beautiful voice and sang in local concerts with her sister, and in a band with her brother.
At the age of 19, Mary emigrated to the United States. Shortly after, she attended an Irish dance in New York City where she met the love of her life, Terry Armstrong. Their bond was immediate and enduring, leading to a beautiful marriage of 54 years and a life together in New Jersey where they raised two cherished children.
To Mary, family was everything. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud grandmother to four adoring grandchildren. Whether it was a school event or a weekend game, Mary was always in the crowd, encouraging and supporting with her quiet presence.
Mary also had a deep love for animals. Her home was never without a furry companion, often a rescued cat or dog that found warmth, safety, and unconditional love in her care.
Mary lived her life with a spirit of kindness and generosity, and the people who were fortunate enough to know her would call her an angel. She was the kind of person who made strangers feel like old friends and whose generosity left lasting impressions.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband, Terry Armstrong, Sr.; her children, Valerie Comprelli and husband Jeff, Terry Armstrong, Jr. and wife Andrea, her grandchildren, Abigail, Mackenzie, Gavin, Callie, her siblings, Tom Clarke and wife Ann, Olive Kelly, Irene Cullinane, Thecla Clarke, Gerard Clarke and wife Marion, Regina O’Byrne, as well as a wealth of family and friends who will miss her dearly. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents, Michael and Margaret Clarke; her sister, Patricia Clarke; and her brother, Michael Clarke.
If you would like to contribute to Mary’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to either of the following; Pink Witches of Denville to reflect the hard battle that Mary fought against breast cancer, or to Home for Good Dog Rescue to continue the love and care for furry friends that Mary had in life. Memorial Donations can be made via inmemof.org.
Hours of public visitation for Mary will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1 to 5 pm. A funeral mass will be held the following day, August 4, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myer’s Ave, Denville. Please use this time to send a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Mary’s light shine!
