Judith (Morris) Armstrong, 80, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away unexpectedly at home of natural causes. She was born on July 3, 1941, in West Palm Beach, FL, to the late Lee and Gladys (Helvenston) Morris and moved to Arden, Delaware, at age three. She graduated from PS DuPont High School in 1958 and attended the University of Delaware. She loved all things horses, including teaching countless students, fox hunting, showing, Pony Club, Eventing, Devon Horse Show and races at Radnor. Fox hunting and skiing were her favorite activities, and she truly enjoyed her friends and all the people she met in both endeavors. She was an excellent skier winning many gold and silver medals racing, and served on the Ski Patrol at Blue Mountain as a medic and sled hauler for 30 years into her 70s. She was a member of the Brandywine Valley Professional Horseman’s Association and would always volunteer at local paper chases to help raise funds for local equestrian rescues/charities.
She loved music and, in her youth, would sing as well play the piano and recorder, occasionally performing in Arden activities. She never missed the Arden Fair and as a girl, she and her closest friends used to roam all over Arden, swimming in its natural pool, racing down its many paths, and exploring the woods and the mysteries of Indian Circle.
She loved to read, especially mysteries and books about animals. Some of her favorite authors were Dick Francis, Lillian Jackson Braun and Rita Mae Brown, whom fans will recognize as combining animals and mysteries in their wonderful stories. Later in life, she developed a love for audiobooks. She definitely lived her life to the fullest and will be missed by many!
Judy is survived by her brother J. David Morris, son Patrick Armstrong, daughter-in-law Chrissie Armstrong, daughter Janette Hamm, son-in-law Eric Hamm, five grandchildren and her beloved cat Twinx.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name (for the Brandywine Valley Professional Horseman’s Association) to: National PHA c/o Christine Dwyer P.O Box 566. Shenorock, NY 10587-0566.
