ARMSTRONG: Vera Jane (Currie) of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On May 14, 2026 @ 1:09 PM In Exeter, Obituary | 81 Comments
Vera Jane Armstrong (née Currie) passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, just weeks before her 102nd birthday.
Born on May 22, 1924, in Mervin, Saskatchewan, Vera lived a remarkable life defined by service, volunteerism, and devotion to family and community. Proud of her prairie roots and proud to be Canadian, she carried a strong sense of duty and compassion throughout her long life.
In her younger years, Vera enjoyed playing baseball in Saskatchewan and later played on R.C.A.F. and Legion women’s teams. Her love of the game stayed with her throughout her life, and in later years she became an ardent Toronto Blue Jays fan.
Vera was the beloved wife of the late George Edward “Ned” Armstrong, whom she married on November 17, 1956, in Plattsville, Ontario. Together they built a loving home in Exeter, where Vera remained in the family home on Sanders Street for more than sixty-five years. Ned predeceased her in 1993.
Predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Ildegert Currie, brothers William and Allan Currie, sister Helen Scott, and son Doug Armstrong (2004), Vera is lovingly remembered by her children George Armstrong and his wife Deborah, and Barbara McCallum and her husband Steve, and by her cherished grandchildren Matthew Armstrong, Alexa Armstrong, and Sammy McCallum.
At age 19, Vera enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as a Wireless Operator during the Second World War with postings in Vancouver, North Battleford, and Regina. After the war, she studied dressmaking in Saskatoon, taught sewing for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and worked at a Red Cross veterans’ convalescent home in Regina.
In 1951, Vera rejoined the R.C.A.F. as a Meteorological Observer and later served overseas with No. 4 Fighter Wing in Baden-Soellingen, Germany. She was always deeply proud of her military service.
After settling in Ontario, Vera and Ned raised their family in Exeter, where Vera became widely known for her extraordinary volunteerism and community involvement. She also worked as a Residents’ Counsellor at Centralia College until retiring at age 65.
Vera devoted countless hours to the South Huron Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the Girl Guides, Scout House Council, the United Church, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, Community Living, and many other local initiatives. She was also a dedicated member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 167, serving in numerous executive positions including President.
In recognition of her exceptional service, Vera received the Legion’s Meritorious Service Medal, became a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and in 2008 received the Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
Despite the many honours she received, Vera remained humble, hardworking, and always ready to help others. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, strength, and enduring commitment to others.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Exeter Cemetery alongside her beloved husband Ned and her son Doug.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund would be appreciated.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all those who cared for Vera in her later years and to the many friends and neighbours who enriched her remarkable journey.
Condolences for the family of “ARMSTRONG: Vera Jane (Currie) of Exeter”
A wonderful tribute to honor a remarkable women. Sincere sympathies. She will be missed🩷🩷
George, Debbie And family, sending heartfelt condolences from Michael and I. Your mother was truly a remarkable person George, and to live to almost 102 and still doing the things that she did was certainly a blessing. You have wonderful memories to hold on to. Hold onto them and smile as you remember her during this difficult time. No matter what it’s always hard to lose our family. Lots of hugs.
My deepest condolences to you and your family George. She certainly lived a full and wonderful life.
George, Barb and family,
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She certainly lived a very full life. She was indeed, a remarkable woman with a zest and passion for life, and those around her.
Sending my condolences to all of you.
To Vera’s family:
Please accept my deepest condolences on Vera’s passing. It was a shock to hear. I have known her for over 50 years as an auxiliary member of the Legion. She always had a smile and took the time to talk to you. She will be missed by all who knew her. RIP Vera.
What a remarkable woman! Condolences to your family, enjoy all the memories.
I was lucky enough to share many happy times with Vera and always admired her quiet happiness May she rest in peace
George, my condolences to you and your family. She has done amazing things and I am sure you are very proud.
My sincere condolences to George Barbara and families.
Vera will be missed by her many friends and fellow volunteers. She was a great neighbour and my special friend.. She will remain in our memories. Blessings to all.
To the Armstrong family:
Vera was a volunteer of mine when I worked for One Care.
After I retired, it was nice to see her and have a little visit. She had a great and interesting long life.
Cherish the memories of a wonderful lady.
So lucky to have Ned and Vera in our lives Rest in peace Vera and never forgotten. John and Joan Oke
She was an extraordinary special Lady who gave her all she will be missed by many. RIP Vera and to all the family please except our deepest sympathies
Oh my heart breaks for you all.
I have enjoyed your posts of this wonderful lady and we absolutely salute her gifts to this country.
God Bless you all and be with you.
Live, love, laugh and talk about her always.
She is with you all in your hearts and memories Forever.
❤️🫂❤️🫂❤️🫂❤️🫂❤️
To George, Barbara, family and friends
Our condolences to all who knew Vera.
She, Ned and family lived across the street from my grandparents. Ned trucked cattle for my uncle Earl and my Dad, Stan.
Vera was very involved in the Exeter Legion and I served with her for several years on the Executive.
We have many good memories of her and we hope yours will bring you comfort in the future.
Vera was a very special woman who was, along with her husband Ned, a huge part of my family growing up. I will miss her very much and am so very sorry to the family for the loss of such a wonderful human being.
To George, Barbara and Families:
Our deepest sympathy on your Mother’s passing.
It was pleasure to spent a lot of time with your Mother over the years in different organizations.
She was a wonderful person.
What an incredible life Vera lived!! She was one of my Mum’s (Joyce Baptie) very, very dear friends from the time they worked at Centralia College together, celebrating the milestones in each other’s lives for well over 50 years. Vera’s kindness, coupled with her sense of humour, made her the best kind of friend. She will definitely be missed by so many people. May the beautiful memories you have of her help you through this difficult time.
George Barb and families
A long life well lived, condolences to all your families, many lovely pictures of your mom’s life
A Life Well Lived! Vera was an inspiration to all. She was a good friend of my mom, Mary Brintnell and I’m sure they will continue on with many more conversations. Thinking of the family as you mourn her loss. Our condolences 🙏
What an exceptional life – one can only hope to live one as rich. My sincerest congratulations condolences.
George, Barb and families,
My heartfelt sympathy to each and every member of Vera’s family. Your mom was a remarkable lady with many great accomplishments. A very full and well lived life indeed. I have many fond memories of your mom, and time spent at your home on Sanders Street, during our school years. I clearly remember the day she told me that snapping my gum was not very lady-like! I hope the many special memories you have, along with the ones shared, warm your hearts at this difficult time. Take good care.
Hugs,
Carrie
Armstrong family may the memories of Vera be a blessing as she lived a very full life. Vera always had a big smile that warmed your heart. The loss of Vera will be missed by all who met her.
George and Barbara and families.
We are saddened to hear of Vera’s passing. She was a remarkable lady and will leave you with many memories. Our thought, prayers and condolences go out to you.
Old neighbours. Norma Khan, Dale Jones, Kelly Morrison and Todd Jones
Sending my condolences to you George and family on the loss of your Mom, she will be missed
George, Barb and families
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mrs A was a remarkable lady by far. I will always remember her smiling face. May she rest in peace
My condolences, George, and family. What an amazing woman Vera Armstrong was, what a life she lived and what a legacy she left. They should make a movie about her. What she saw and accomplished is hard to fathom. The next time I have a cone, I’ll salute her. Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Vera’s family she was truly a remarkable woman always with a big smile whenever we crossed paths she will be missed in the community for sure. RIP Vera you will be remembered
Vera’s Family
My thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. Vera was a friend. I did her Foot Care for many years. She and my late husband Bob worked on many Legion projects over the years.
Vera was a very special lady and a great friend to many, including my mother Mary Brintnell. The 2 of them had a lot of marathon phone calls! What a great long life she lived. She will be greatly missed. Thinking of all of you at this time!
George, Barb and families
Sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Mom and Grandma and our “Aunt Vera”. She was a wonderful person and such an inspiration to many for the way she lived her life, contributions to her community and service to country. Her gentle, kind nature and willingness to help others was a wonderful attribute. Her support during the time of our mother’s passing was an example of such and will be fondly remembered by our family. May she rest in peace. ❤️
George, Barb and families
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. I am sure you will have many fond memories from her long and well lived life.
Our deepest condolences, George, Barb and Families with the passing of Mom.
My deepest sympathy.
She was one amazing woman.
Regardless of such an age, you will feel a tremendous loss. I know I did with dad who was 99.
Sending you love and hugs during this time.
The gates opened wide for such an authentic and dedicated woman. ❤️
Carol (nee Allen)
Sincere condolences to Vera’s family. She was a very special lady and friend to everyone. She has left so many wonderful remembrances for all to treasure and carry in our hearts forever. Deepest Sympathy.
I remember her very fondly from Centralia College. I remember sneaking out of the Pods at Centralia College at the “wee “ hours. She said, Hi Jamie and I replied, Hi Vera, thinking she would let me off Scot free. Well then a week later, I received a fine !!! She was like my Mother, loving yet stern !
To Vera’s family, my deepest condolences. What an amazing woman,so humble so kind so thoughtful and so dedicated to family, friends and community. She will always be missed by all who knew her. Cherish your memories
Barb, from the pictures here your mother was, at a bare minimum, adorable; and, from the synopsis of her life, an amazing person, friend, and probably hero to many! A life well lived indeed. Sincere condolences to you, your brother, and families, and all she touched and inspired on her passing from Sue and I.
George and Barb and Family thinking of you at this time and how Vera lived a long and admirable life.
I met Vera many years ago and immediately bonded because we shared the same birthday date: May 22nd. We continued to connect through online visits until recent years. I admired her and enjoyed our friendship. My sympathy to her family.
George and Barbara and Family,
My sympathy to you all with Vera passing. She was a great lady. I always enjoyed having a chat with her.
May your memories help at this time.
Our deepest sympathy to you Barb and George and all your families in the passing of your mom. Vera was such a great community member and will always be remembered by many. Glenda and I have fond memories of conversing and visiting Vera.
She will be deeply missed. Cherish those great memories.
Dear George and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. We remember your Mom and Dad very well and had the greatest respect for them. Your loss is great and we extend our sincere condolences.
Wasn’t she wonderful? I had the pleasure of meeting Vera a few years ago. We had the best chat. Condolences on your great loss.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom George and Barbara and your families. She was a lovely lady and had an amazing life. Thinking of you all. 🙏
George, Barb and family:
Your mom was a gift to everyone who ever met her. Please accept our sincere condolences.
My deepest condolences to George and the Armstrong family.
My condolences to your family at this difficult time. I met your Mom during her assistance with the Girl Guides. What a remarkable lady Vera was…so strong, helpful and involved with so many community activities and yet so kind and warm with a beautiful smile and always time for a friendly chat.
To all Vera’s family, friends and fellow Exeter and All Canadian Legion members;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Vera. Wow what a lady! Vera’s service to her country and community are hard to compare to. She lived her long life well and did everything with fervour, dedication, sincerity, and poise. I only knew Vera as an acquaintance, however, that was for over 40 years. I saw her in action at many, many Legion events and a vast number of other community events over the years. She was also a lovely person to chat with whenever I had the opportunity. We are thinking about you all at this time.
May you rest in peace and pride Vera.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer
Deepest condolences are sent to Vera’s family from Hensall Legion Br 468. What a truly remarkable, dedicated Veteran.
My condolences to George, Barbara and families. Vera was well known and loved in our community. It was my pleasure to volunteer and also just to visit with Vera on many occasions.
For sure a life well lived. Treasure all your memories.
My respects and condolences to you and your family George on this news of your Mom’s passing.
CCAT grad and Bruce Hall resident and Vera was indeed an esteemed & revered institution to so many.
Reading this incredible obituary and the noble and notable accomplishments through the entire life of this classy woman only amplifies the respect and admiration I and many have for her.
Sincerely,
The Staff and residents of Exeter Villa share our deepest sympathies to your Family during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your loved one fill your heart and help you find peace. Sending you love and support.
Dear George and Barbara,
As our family remembers times spent together over the years, we have pleasant recollections of birthday parties and walking together to school, and playtime after school. It was a big adventure to be able to walk down the street to playmates. Your mom was a mentor to me and in later years I came to appreciate our shared times. Your mom was a grand lady and gracefully stayed connected to friends as she aged. You have been wonderful caregivers and she was proud of all of you. We will miss her wisdom and smile. Kind regards from the Batten family.
Our Exeter Community is better because Vera Armstrong lived here and volunteered in so many capacities. I am proud to say she lives on in our documentary WE LEND A HAND. What an example of a life well lived.
My condolences to all who loved and admired her.
So saddened to hear of Vera’s passing! Along with her community commitments she was also a staunch supporter of the local army cadet unit (2923) in Exeter. Never a special parade went by without her!
I first met Vera when I was 11 years old… her and my Grandfather George Conlan were security together at Centralia! I stopped in to see her last year and after not seeing her for 10 or so years she remembered me and we had a heartfelt visit! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her! My condolences to the entire family! RIP sweet lady!
Vera lived a very interesting and full life. She always had a big smile and time to chat. My deepest sympathies to George, Barb and families.
George, Barb, and Family,
We are so grateful for all the ways your Mother served her Community and Country. It was a privilege to get to know Vera- she was such a gentle, humble person, yet immensely impactful and wise. We honour her legacy and memory. – the South Huron Hospital Foundation
102 years is an extraordinary journey, and even more extraordinary is being remembered as a great friend who brought laughter and joy to others. I’m so sorry for your loss. May the memories of all the laughter and good times you shared stay close to your heart.
George, Barb and families, heartfelt condolences on your Mom’s passing. Vera was a wonderful woman. She was kind, friendly, helpful and humble. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Growing up down the street from her, I truly have the best memories. She was the best. She will forever be missed dearly.
Ed and Marlene Burnett
To all of Vera”s family
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your fantastic mother and grandma. My brother Jack laFrance was married to Fran Armstrong. We met a few times but Fran spoke so highly of Vera all the time.
You have so many great memories to help you through this difficult time. Our sincere condolences.
George , Barb and family . I was blessed years ago in the early 80’s to meet my neighbours , great Armstrong family . Sending my condolences to you all
Jim
George, Barb and Families,
Vera was a remarkable woman and I feel fortunate to have lived under her roof for a couple of summers during my mid-teen years. She had a strong and positive influence on me during those formative years. It’s easy to see she had the same influence on a great many in her community, which is why she’s been held in such high regard over her long and accomplished life.
I’m saddened she has passed but happy for you to have had so many years with such a wonderful mother.
Thinking of you.
John (and Irene) Wright
We were sad to hear of Vera’s passing and are honoured to have her appear in our film. She was a remarkable woman.
Dear George and Family,
We’re sending much love and understanding across the miles aling with warm thoughts of Vera, a cousin and great friend of my parents, the late Harry & Alice Baycroft. May you find peace, grace and comfort in knowing others care as you lovingly remember and grieve your loss. .Margaret Bishop nee Baycroft
New Zealand
A woman that accomplished and gave so much of herself and to others and yet remained extremely humble.. Forever to be remembered…
How well I remember Vera, every day during “pea pack” at the Canners, seei ng her and waving at her from our front porch, as she drove that big red truck. My Gramma and Grampa lived in the “Coates” duplex beside rhe Armstrongs and Vera was so good to them, she was a fine lady, her service will always be remembered
Barb, George and families:
Sorry for the loss of your dear Mom
A lovely lady with the best smile and demeanour
A fine example of a strong accomplished woman
My sincere condolences to Vera’s family members. Vera was an out standing lady. She accomplished so much in her lifetime. She had a giving heart!❤️
Vera was such a fine lady who lived an incredible life. She was definitely someone you respected. She always had a smile for anyone she met. My deepest condolences to her families.
She will ne missed to all that had known her. A Mother a grandmother
George and Family
My sincere condolences on the loss of your remarkable mother and grandmother. She is a hard act to follow. I hope that your many fond memories of her life will help you in your grief.
Regards
Gia DeJulio
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Mom has left both of us with many wonderful memories and an example of selfless community service .
“Lest We Forget “
Bart ann Ann
Our deepest sympathies to family she will be remembered
I’m so sorry to see that Vera has passed away.She was amazing woman
Barbara and George and families
My condolences to all of you and your families. Cherish all the memories and times you had with her. Vera was a wonderful lady. I will remember the times I saw her at the legion. Rest in peace Vera.
“Lest we forget ”
Joan Finkbeiner
Sincere condolences to Vera’s family. She was an exceptional woman.
George, Barb and families
What a great life she lived, sending condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Liz Campbell and the Giffin family
The legacy Aunt Vera leaves is remarkable! A life of service to family, community and country. A role model for all of us who had the pleasure to know her. We will cherish our memories of time spent with her. Jim and I send our condolences to her family and friends!
Sincere condolences to Vera’s family on her passing. She had a very positive influence as Residence Counsellor on many young people during their time together at Centralia College.
She had an amazing life of service. In all her communities.
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Vera was a great friend to my Mum (Joyce) from the time that they met at Centralia College where they both worked. I also had the pleasure of knowing Vera when I worked at Centralia after school. She was a great lady and will be greatly missed. My condolences to George, Barbara and families.