Karen L.  Armstrong (August 08, 1965 - June 14, 2020)

In loving memory of
Karen L. Armstrong
  • August 08, 1965
  • -
  • June 14, 2020

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Obituary

Karen L. Armstrong, 54, of Fort Myers, Fl., passed away on June 14, 2020, at Hope Hospice Center in North Fort Myers.

Daughter of Joan L. (née Shimkus) Bower, Elizabethtown, Pa., and the late Russell A. Bower, she was born August 8, 1965, in Plainfield, NJ. Just before Karen turned five and started kindergarten, the family moved to Harrisburg, Pa., where she developed a passion for dance. In 1983, she graduated from Central Dauphin High School.

She earned a B.A. in dance and business administration from Goucher College in 1987 and accepted a position managing a dance company in Columbia, SC. However, her passion and creativity for food and hospitality led her to restaurant and catering management. Eventually with her then husband, she opened her first restaurant while living in Galveston, Tx., then others when they moved to the Naples, Fl., area.

She was creative at developing and marketing her businesses, which eventually included other retail endeavors. She also wrote a young adult storybook.

Karen loved the ocean and warm weather. With her husband William (“Bill”) Armstrong, she’s remained in South Florida, both on the east and west coasts.

Karen is survived by her husband Bill; her four sons from a previous marriage, Tryston, 21, Devon, 19, Chase, 18, and Alec Sipe, 17; a sister Gail Bower (Barry Vacker) of Philadelphia; a brother Thomas Bower (Jennifer) of York, Pa.; and a niece, Caroline, 18, and nephew, Colin, 14; plus her beloved dog Tutu.

Private interment will be scheduled at a future date at Restland Memorial Park in E. Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to Hope Hospice Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home of Fort Myers, Fl.


Instead of flowers, the family would prefer if you would make a donation to
Hope Hospice

Tribute Wall

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  1. Lisa Mensch says:
    23 Jun 2020
    Karen, you were a bright light in my life in junior high, high school and college. Your dreams, smile and laughter are fond, enduring memories.
    My thoughts are with Tom, Gail, Bill and your sons.
    Shine bright in heaven my friend.

  2. Lisa Mensch lit a candle:
    23 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 23, 2020 at 6:31:19 AM

  3. Mindy says:
    20 Jun 2020
    Karen was like a sister to me and I am heartbroken. Although we did not keep in touch regularly as we moved to different cities and went on with our lives, my memories of her growing up and through young adulthood are crystal clear. She brought so much joy and laughter to my life. I am holding my precious memories close and am mourning a life cut short of this beautiful, loving person. Keeping Gail, Tom and her husband in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my dear friend.

  4. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    Highschool pic.
    Highschool pic.

  5. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    The Giggin Gals!
    The Giggin Gals!

  6. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    Karen and Gail visiting Chicago.
    Karen and Gail visiting Chicago.

  7. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    Our carefree spirit...
    Our carefree spirit...

  8. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    Another beautiful picture.
    Another beautiful picture.

  9. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    My beautiful friend
    My beautiful friend

  10. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020
    Karen's dance move.
    Karen's dance move.

  11. Mindy posted an image:
    20 Jun 2020


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