Elda Armstrong
53, Saint John

Elda Armstrong, Saint John, N.B., was shot by her husband July 12, 1987 in the parking lot of her workplace. She died 6 days later on her daughter’s 19th birthday.

 

Elda’s husband abused her for many years. In 1970 she fled from him with her young children. After tracking her down in Vancouver, they reconciled and later moved to California. The abuse worsened and Elda tried repeatedly to get away. Over the years her husband persistently pursued her, eventually back to New Brunswick. He often found the family through school records.

 

He was charged with 1st degree murder, convicted of manslaughter, and received a 10 year sentence of which he served 4 years.

 

Elda was a good-hearted soul with a love of the outdoors. She adapted to a hearing impairment and taught herself to lip read so she could fully enjoy life. A loving, supportive mother, Elda raised 2 children on her own, was an entrepreneur, scout leader, and seamstress. She learned to ski at 50, had a terrific sense of humour and positive outlook on life.