Josie Armstead was a truly wonderful and caring woman who always tried to assist those less fortunate than herself. She identified herself first and foremost as a mother. She also identified herself as an artist and a tutor.
Enormous Read more...
Josie Armstead was a truly wonderful and caring woman who always tried to assist those less fortunate than herself. She identified herself first and foremost as a mother. She also identified herself as an artist and a tutor.
Enormously talented, I am not aware of any artistic endeavor she was unable to conquer. She once reupholstered her sofa. She could sew, knit, and crochet. She enjoyed singing and playing guitar. Ceramic work came easily to her. She could draw and paint with various mediums. Her pisanki egg creations were amazing.
Josie was equally talented in both written and spoken English. She used her powers for good. An English tutor at the college she attended she touched, and was touched by, countless lives. When I would talk with her over the phone she would tell me endless stories about the people who shared their lives with her.
I just found a letter my mother wrote to a high school friend. It talks about her life. I have posted excerpts below:
How have I been? Gosh, high school was so long ago. What is pertinent and what is not? Been up and down, and down and up. Its been interesting; never boring!. Married/divorced twice. Had 4 kids with #1, none with #2. 1 girl, 3 boys. Did the single mom thing without much grace, but they are all productive members of society. I win!
#1 was Navy, and I got the travel bug. Lived in the Virginia and South Carolina for awhile, then Guam (loved the island--and shushing out the culture--what was left of it.), then came to San Diego, where I stayed.
I worked as a computer and hardware writer and trainer for control systems for about 10 years. That was an exciting job: Water, waste water, power generation and power distribution. Worked in Malaysia, Mexico City, all over the US. Also got to go to Korea and Thailand on side trips. 9/11 capped the business…a mom/pop set up. All bids got pulled for new security requirements, which the company could not handle financially, because we needed a constant stream of work.
Later, I moved to corporate US software companies…hated being driven by the stock market. It’s a lying/dirty business.
In the middle of all that, I also did a lot of volunteer work for preschool to eighth grade…I thought for awhile I would pursue that age group. No way…too many problem parents. I had fun though…designed and implemented a music program for an elementary school. Selecting and presenting American folk music to match up with history lessons. Thus, if the class was studying the opening of the West, the kids were introduced to cowboy songs! You might appreciate this…back in school, you were kind enough to show me basic guitar chords. In one of the classes, I had a troubled kid, whom the teacher specifically pointed out to me as needing a little more attention than the others. So he was hanging around after class one day, and wanted to goof off with my guitar. I showed him those same basic chords, and from then on, he always stayed late. Almost 10 years passed, and I was performing at a coffee shop, when a young man came up and said “You probably don’t remember me, but you used to let me play your guitar in Mrs. O’Brian’s class. I really liked it, and I convinced my parents to send me for lessons. My buddies and I just cut our first album.” So, your influence lives on!
Probably the most significant event in my life was when I lost my beloved dad, my favorite grandparents, and the part of my heritage I valued the most.
Dad met Mom, married her, adopted me, and life went forward. A child could not have asked for a better dad, especially given the options. It took me a long time, but I finally came to the conclusion that my family is who I want to be family…
Nowadays, I have my dream job; tutoring immigrants and inner city kids in English at the college level. Giving back to my world, and learning a lot in the process. The stories I hear (gasp)…I have met lot of unsung heroes. I work for the community college system. Lots of Latino Americans, and Ethiopian, Somalian, and Darfurian immigrants. I have gained a deep respect for our Muslim brothers and sisters…its nice being outside the “fear fold.”
One thing I will say for all the health issues I have been undergoing: I have been pretty lucky from start to finish. It started about 2 years ago, when I was putting in every hour of the day, painting my house. I thought I was just exhausted, but went to the clinic anyway, where they told me I had atrial afibb. If I had waited a day, I would have died they said. Angels watching over me? Then I had a series of little strokes bought on by the affib. However I was always around people who knew the signs…I would not have known if I had been on my own…too small, none of the classic indicators I would have expected. As the docs poked around because of the strokes, they found a tumor in my brain…the very best kind a woman could ask for…it was growing from the outside to the inside—just pushing brain matter away, not ripping it up with nasty old roots inside. Also, it was benign…without the strokes, we never would have known. Now it’s gone, and I had some of the finest surgeons in the US in attendance.
In the aftermath, I realized the whole process gave me absolute clarity: I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to do. I don’t know many people who can claim such clarity; I love “my” students, and they love me. Like I said: pretty lucky!
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March 28th 2011
The celebration of my Mom's life will be Saturday, April 2 at 1:00 p.m. in Balboa Park.
As this is a celebration of her life, please bring your favorite memory of Josie and a pot luck item to share with her extended family.
American culture traditionally wears dark colors to a funeral services. Please remember this is a celebration of her life, not a traditional memorial. Wear what you feel most comfortable in or what you feel represents your memory of Josie.
March 28th 2011
In lieu of flowers Josie's family is asking donations be sent to the Josie Armstead Sholarship. Make checks payable to The San Diego City College Foundation and in the memo line write: Josie Armstead Scholarship.
Send to:
San Diego City College
c/o Chris Baron
1313 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
March 22nd 2011
Mom always said she wanted a wake to celebrate her life, not a funeral to celebrate her death.
To allow for notification and travel we are planning the celebration of her life for April 2 in San Diego.
March 22nd 2011
Mom passed away on Saturday, March 19 enroute to the hospital. For those who need, or want, more details please feel free to contact me.
Memorial Wall
Write your condolences or share a memory with your friends and family on Josie Armstead's memorial wall.
Sorry, I thought the site would automatically identify me. That last comment was mine. Jeanie Wallace
a guest ,
April 02, 2011
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A am soooo sorry to hear this news. Josie and I met in the 5th grade, and were good friends. We lived just a couple of miles from each other, in the country outside Morgan Hill. Our lives went in different directions after high school, and we lost track of each other eventually. We just reconnected on facebook a couple of months ago, so I am thankful for that. We still had quite a bit in common, and I would have liked very much to have gotten to visit with her in the years to come. My heart goes out to her family and current friends. I hope you all have a lovely time today.
a guest ,
April 02, 2011
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My daughter Josie, my first precious child...When she was very young, she started saving her money. I remember the day when she first spent that money. It was her own idea. She did not buy anything for herself as most children do, but bought black patent shoes for her sister, Judie. She was a gregarious girl and generous with her whole essence to everyone. She loved learning and was reading the holy scriptures by her own choice at the age of six. When she was not much older, Santa Clara county’s San Jose Mercury published a front page photo of her knitting while attending a school function. She was always busy doing something beneficial. I remember the first essay she wrote, not for school, but just because she loved writing. She was around thirteen years old. Several of my friends were at my home that day. Her writing was so powerfully presented that it put tears in the eyes of all who read it. Saddly the first time I heard the comment, “When life gives you lemons; make lemonade.” it was from Josie. Life was not always the great world I had hoped she would have, so she made “ lemonade...She became all that I prayed she would be... ...HELD IN MY HEART
Beverly Heckford ,
March 30, 2011
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Can anyone give some specific information about where we will be meeting in Balboa Park on Saturday? Balboa Park is kind of a big place.
Neola Mace ,
March 30, 2011
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I am devastated. It was just February when we were talking and laughing together. When we hugged goodbye, I had no idea it would be for the last time.
Josie brought beauty and culture and an international perspective into my life. She was brilliant and talented and kind and wonderful and so funny. I remember her best as having a big smile after making a witty remark.
This is such a big loss for me and for the world. She meant so much to me and to everyone around her.
Neola Mace ,
March 30, 2011
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I am heartbroken to hear this news, but I will remember Josie fondly.
I had the good fortune to work with Josie for several years...and she became a caring friend. She was bright, real, thoughtful, artistic. I also got to talk with her just before her tumor was removed. She was remarkably upbeat, and I so enjoyed connecting with her. Beautiful, colorful Josie. May she be surrounded always with light, color, music, and love.
Diana Lovejoy ,
March 29, 2011
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We have all lost two very special family members very close together and are all hurting deeply. This is new to our family. It's been a long time thankfully; to have to lose some of our loved ones. Unfortunately, there are things never said, or done that should have been, calls we meant to make and never did, thinking we had time; that makes the hurt even stronger. There are things that have happened or been said, that are unexpected and sad, but endearing, and wonderful that tug hard at our hearts. One example I heard today for the first time was about how the week in which our Dad passed away, Dad asked Jerry if he would hold him as he thought he was going to die that day. Jerry had the wonderful opportunity to do just that. I am so very thankful that Jerry was there to comfort our dad, and for Joan, who was able to have him in her house and help nurse him with Jerry's help the last couple of months. I am also thankful for those that were able to talk with our sister Josie, just days before she left us so that she new she was loved. I just wish I had not been so busy with other things, not realizing how much time had passed since talking with Josie, or my dad. I have missed so much, but it did not have to be that way. We need to let our loved ones know how much we care before they leave us; wrestling with deep regrets that will be with us forever. Life is too short and we never know when we will lose our loved ones. I miss my dad and my sister very very much, and can't wait for the time we will be reunited in heaven.
Judie Gruber ,
March 26, 2011
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Sleeping at last, the trouble and tumult over, Sleeping at last, the struggle and horror past, Cold and white, out of sight of friend and of lover, Sleeping at last.
No more a tired heart downcast or overcast, No more pangs that wring or shifting fears that hover, Sleeping at last in a dreamless sleep locked fast.
Fast asleep. Singing birds in their leafy cover Cannot wake her, nor shake her the gusty blast. Under the purple thyme and the purple clover Sleeping at last.
~ Poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti
Rose Mireya ,
March 22, 2011
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Amber heard the sad news today and want you to know that I'm throwing you a big hug right now! My prayers are with you and your family.
Lori Tacelli Hart ,
March 22, 2011
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Amber God has called another one of His Children home to be with Him. I pray for you and your family to stay strong in this hard time. Nothing OR NO ONE can replace your mother. Remember her and keep her alive in your spirit and heart. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed.
My LOVE out to you and your family.
Aunt Abby
Abigail ,
March 22, 2011
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I am so sorry to hear about Josie. I loved working with her; she was a great person. My thoughts are with you.
Jude Chao ,
March 22, 2011
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Josie was a kind, helpful and a great mentor to many students at San Diego City college. She will forever be missed by all of us.
Many tender memories soften your grief, May fond recollection bring you relief, And may you find comfort and peace in the thought Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought... For time and space can never divide Or keep your loved one from your side When memory paints in colors true The happy hours that belonged to you.
Leah Morrison ,
March 22, 2011
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I love that your mom wanted her life to be celebrated and not her death mourned. It shows what kind of person she was. :)
Tamra Augostino ,
March 22, 2011
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Jeanie Wallace