Cora Mary Armstrong (Sissy)

Cora Mary Armstrong, affectionately known as Sissy, peacefully transitioned back home to be with the Lord, Friday, July 26, 2019.  Cora was born on December 23, 1936 in Kingston, New York to her predeceased parents Eleanor Brodhead Armstrong McCullough and Hezekiah Armstrong.

Cora grew up in Kingston New York, and was educated by the Kingston City School District.  In 1955, she was blessed with a daughter, Stacey Medley Troeger, and shortly afterwards moved to Albany New York.  In Albany, she was employed at St. Peters Hospital until receiving occupational training as an Administrative Support Specialist.  Following her Continuing Education Career, she was employed as a Senior Stenographer for the New York State Personnel and Education Departments until her retirement in 2002.  Cora was blessed with three additional children.  In 1960, a son, Kevin Alan Lewis, in 1964 a son, Gerald Leonard Lewis, Jr., and in 1965, a daughter, Salisa Kamela Lewis Brandon.  

Cora was an artist at heart.  She knew how to make a house a home wherever she lived.  Everyone who entered her dwelling complimented her on the comfortable look and feel, and the hospitality and love she gave.  God had blessed her with gifts and abilities that have proven her a natural at sewing, knitting, cooking, bread baking, gardening, and interior decorating.  She loved nature and animals, especially birds and cats.  She was a collector of unique and precious stones and rocks and other natural artifacts and used them for décor and gifts.   

Cora was a vegetarian the better half of her life, an avid fitness walker, as she was very conscious of her and family’s health. She enjoyed attending the horse races in Saratoga, New York, attending aquatic classes at the YMCA, and meeting regularly with her friends and former colleagues who she met while employed for New York State.

Cora accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  She rededicated her life during the early 1990’s while attending Unity Christian Church, currently New Horizons Church of Albany New York.  After retirement Cora moved to Schenectady New York to help raise her grandchildren, and where she attended St. Luke’s of Schenectady and Harvest Church of Clifton Park.

Cora’s memory will be forever cherished by her four children, Stacey Lorraine Medley Troeger, Albany, New York, Kevin Alan Lewis, Charlotte, North Carolina, Gerald Leonard Lewis, Jr., Miami Florida, and Salisa Kamela Lewis Brandon, Niskayuna, New York, Siblings, Donna McCullough, Grand Prairie, Texas, Teri Anne McCullough, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nieces, Terrell Turner Wilson, Grand Prairie, Texas, Kimberly Anne Foulks (predeceased), Grandchildren, Shameka Lewis, Bushown Lewis, Benjamin Stanfield, Sasha Lewis, Ashley Lewis, Colleen Lewis, Zachary Brandon, Marcus Brandon, Tammara Brandon, and Micah Lewis, Great Grandchildren, Isabella Stanfield, and a hosts of additional great grandchildren, extended nieces and nephews, cousins, sons and daughter in laws, friends, and her beloved pet Spicey.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to William Busino, M.D. and Diane Weidner of Community Care Physicians, Niskayuna, New York, Home Aides (Melissa, Nakea, Jada) of Attentive Care, Albany New York, Susan Guynup and Staff at Day Haven, Schenectady, New York, The Rehab Unit at The Grand, Guilderland, New York, Anthony Brandon, Schenectady, New York, Richard Salisbury, Niskayuna, New York, and Sue and Scott, (Loving Neighbors), for their support, guidance, and help in being there for our mom  at a moment’s notice.  We will be forever grateful. 

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