Exeter, NH – Jane Keith Armstrong, 87, of Exeter and Washington, New Hampshire, died peacefully of complications from Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on May 22 in Concord, New Hampshire with her husband Larry and son Keith by her side.
Born May 9, 1939, to Elbridge and Virginia Keith, Jane spent her childhood in Winnetka Illinois, attending Greeley Elementary School and New Trier High School. She graduated in 1961 from Brown University with a B.A. in history.
She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Armstrong, in 1961. Their romance, love, and deep commitment to one another lasted throughout their marriage of almost 65 years. Together they raised four children while living in Barrington, Illinois.
Jane was dedicated to The League of Women Voters for many decades, serving as Treasurer of the Illinois League and President of the New Hampshire League. While living in Illinois, she served as a court observer. In later years, she became an active board member of Open Democracy, working tirelessly in that organization’s efforts to achieve political equality for all.
Jane was deeply committed to social justice in all of its dimensions, whether working to enact campaign finance reform, advocating for equal access to voting for all, or even making sure her gifts to children and grandchildren were of precisely the same value in order to be fair.
Jane and Larry explored the world together, and those travels are among Larry’s favorite memories. Jane was a curious and intrepid traveller who eschewed tour buses in favor of walking, hiking, and skiing. They trekked in Nepal, backpacked in New Zealand, and skied in Finland and the Alps. They ventured to the Galapagos, Patagonia, Alaska, Tasmania, and many other places. However, two of her most favorite places were her home on Halfmoon Pond in Washington, New Hampshire; and Keith Island on Big Lake in northern Wisconsin. She took delight in the change of seasons, the calls of loons, an eagle’s flight, and the raspberries she grew in her garden.
Jane cherished her many friendships. Above all, she loved her family. She treasured time with her children and grandchildren: hiking and camping with them in the mountains of New Hampshire, playing board games and card games, planning special outings and overnights with grandchildren, and hosting many holiday celebrations. She always remembered birthdays and holidays with cards and presents.
For the past nine years, Jane lived courageously with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, a rare, chronic, and progressive disease. This disease took from her many things that she dearly loved, including walking and hiking. No one who knew Jane ever heard her complain, and many people did not know the extent of her disease. Rather than dwell on the negatives, Jane looked forward and continued to live her life fully. She helped to lead the PAH support group at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital, providing support to others impacted by this disease. Her bravery was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Jane is survived by her husband Larry; her children Beth, Keith (Beth), Jean (Mike Milano), and Ted (Sarah); seven grandchildren; her sister Marge; and her brother Gerry. She is predeceased by a son-in-law, Fred Cortright.
A memorial service and reception to celebrate Jane’s life will be announced at a future date.
If you wish to make a donation in Jane’s memory, please consider The League of Women Voters (lwvnh.org) or Open Democracy (opendemocracynh.org).
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