Anne Cecilia Armistead, beloved wife, adored mother and accomplished artist, died suddenly in her home on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Col. Samuel Eugene Armistead, USAF retired, and her to daughters, Elizabeth Alice Armistead and Eleanor Anne Armistead Batson. Those of us, who were delighted to be in her charmed circle (for family was of paramount importance to Anne) also include her son-in-law, Lt. CMDR William Thurston Batson, III, USN and her two grandsons, William Samuel Batson and Jack Armistead Batson. Born Anne Cecilia Falkiewicz in Hackensack, N.J. and raised in the nearby town of Tenafly, Anne began her life’s adventures as a model in New York City. She met the love of her life, Gene, when he was the best man to her maid of honor at her sister Alice Peterson’s wedding. Always the artist, Anne raised her two girls to a love of creativity in all its forms. Many of Anne’s marvelous paintings will be on display at the memorial service and at least one of her insightful poems will be part of her fare-thee-well ceremony. Nothing can assuage the loss we feel, the incomprehensible absence of a woman who was often described as a force of nature. Anne Armistead’s boundless creativity, deeply spiritual nature and incomparable zest for life will continue to be part of our hearts and souls.
On Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Ramer United Methodist Church, the visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The service will be from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a graveside farewell at 3:45 p.m. The pallbearers will be Conrad Falkiewicz, Joseph Armistead, Jimmy Legacy, William Batson, Edward Sellers and Reymon Betgevergiz.
Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Batson, Lloyd Smilie, Walton Sellers, Day Sellers, Gilbert Sellers, Jr., Parker Gray Mount, Jonathan Betgevergiz and Jack Armistead Batson.
Flowers are welcome but donations in Anne’s name may also be made to the American Cancer Society.