Frances “Cissy” Armstrong, 68, of Milford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 26, 2026

Frances “Cissy” Armstrong, 68, of Milford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 26, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family, and her devoted husband, Tom. The Nor’easter that accompanied her passing felt apropos for a woman so powerful.

Born on October 26, 1957, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Cissy was the youngest of six born to Robert and Frances Elinor Devine. She was a life-long athlete, first competing in swimming at a national level, then later qualifying for and competing at the 1984 Olympic Trials in women’s cycling.

She met her husband, Tom Armstrong, while working at the Cannondale Bike Company in Georgetown, Connecticut. Together they raised two loving children, Alex and Valerie. Tom and Cissy moved to Milford in 1991 where they put down roots that remain to this day. Cissy worked as an aide and swim coach at Joseph A. Foran High School for more than a decade. She was later hired at Yale University, where she started in the Admissions Department before being promoted to assistant to the Dean of Saybrook Residential College. At Saybrook, Cissy helped innumerable students navigate their undergraduate years. She was beloved by the Saybrook College faculty and students alike.

Beyond her work, Cissy was kind, loving, thoughtful, and funny. She was a consummate host, never happier than when she was surrounded by the din of chatting family and friends – particularly the members of her book club. She was a wonderful, active grandmother, always ready to get on the floor and play with her granddaughters. And she treasured time spent with Tom, as happy to take day trips exploring Connecticut as she was to travel around the world, so long as they were together.

Cissy is survived by her husband, Tom; son Alex and daughter-in-law Julie Alcarez (Milford); daughter Valerie (Los Angeles); granddaughters Katherine and Elizabeth Armstrong; and her siblings, D'Arcy Haskins, Peter Devine (Sharon), Jay Devine (Cathy), and Cathy Devine as well as her sister-in-law Sheila Devine and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tim.

A wake will be held at Cody-White Funeral Home in Milford, Connecticut, on October 9, 2026, from 4-7 PM, with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Cissy asked that donations be made to the Kelly Devine Memorial Scholarship Fund by mail to "c/o Devine and Devine, 65 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851" or World Central Kitchen online at www.donate.wck.org/

To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit CodyWhiteFuneralService.com