Barbara Ann Armstrong

Barbara “Babs” Armstrong Obituary

Barbara Ann “Babs” Armstrong (Cropek), age 86, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on May 6, 1940, in Conneaut, Ohio, to Alice and Stanley Cropek, Barbara was one of four children in a close-knit family whose story was rooted in resilience, hard work, and laughter.

When Barbara was seven years old, the Cropek family relocated to California, eventually settling in San Pablo. She fondly loved telling the story of how her father had their family home lifted and turned to make room for the surrounding motel he built, later known as the Ohio Motel, located along the bustling stretch of San Pablo Avenue. It was one of many stories she shared with pride and joy.

Barbara attended Richmond High School, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Armstrong. The two married in 1958 and began building a beautiful life together. They first made their home (Larry & his dad built) overlooking the Bay in El Sobrante before moving to Napa in 1971, where they planted deeper roots and raised their family.

A devoted wife and mother, Barbara poured her heart into creating a loving home for her children, David and Lori Armstrong. She was deeply involved in school activities, bazaars, and church events, always showing up with generosity and dedication. At St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, Barbara worked tirelessly and proudly served as chairman of the beloved Holiday Bazaar for several years, helping create cherished traditions for the community.

Barbara possessed a remarkable gift as a seamstress. In the early years, she lovingly made many of her children’s clothes by hand, later crafting beautiful prom dresses that brought her enormous pride. Her attention to detail and creativity touched everything she created.

In the late 1970s, Barbara discovered a passion that would remain with her for decades: tennis. She became actively involved with the Napa Valley Tennis Association and later the Napa Valley Country Club, where the entire family spent countless hours enjoying tennis, swimming, and golf together. Babs was known as a fierce competitor on the court, admired for her determination and unforgettable wicked cross-court shot.

As a mother, Barbara took immense pride in her children and embraced every opportunity to be present in their lives—cheering from the sidelines at games, volunteering as a team mom, scorekeeper at baseball games, helping with school projects, and ensuring her family felt deeply supported and loved. Holidays at Barbara’s home were magical, filled with laughter, thoughtful traditions, homemade Polish recipes, treats, and memories that would last generations.

Her greatest joy later in life came through her role as a grandmother. Lovingly known as “Buscha” (grandma in Polish), she adored her grandchildren, Breanna Shipp, Linda Armstrong, Lawrence Weber, and her beloved grandson Johnny Armstrong, who preceded her in death. Whether sharing family traditions, cheering them on, or simply being present, Buscha treasured every moment spent with them. She also shared a loving bond with granddaughter-in-law, Molly Weber, and cherished the time spent surrounded by family.

Barbara developed a particularly special relationship with her daughter Lori’s life partner, Craig Schweikl, who stood faithfully beside her through some of life’s most difficult moments. Craig brought laughter when it was needed most and he became a cherished part of her family.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Babs passionately cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, the Athletics, and anything tennis brought her great excitement.

Barbara also had a spirited side and embraced fun in the early years. She never passed up a trip to Reno or the opportunity to sit at a slot machine in hopes of a lucky win. During one memorable family trip, she happened to be in Reno during the filming of the movie Sister Act and proudly shared the story of appearing briefly in the film after being told to “look surprised” while sitting at a slot machine.

Anyone who knew Babs also knew she had a sweet tooth—especially for lemon-filled donuts from Butter Cream Bakery, a treat that never failed to make her smile.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence D. Armstrong; her cherished grandson, Johnny Armstrong; her brother, Robert “Bob”, and sisters Bernice & Caroline.

She is survived by her loving children, David and Lori Armstrong; her grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the many family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness, warmth, and strong opinions.

Though Alzheimer’s disease slowly changed parts of her, it never erased the beautiful spirit that made Barbara who she was—a woman of strength, devotion, humor, strong will and deep love for family.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will live on in holiday traditions, family laughter, tennis matches, sweet treats, and stories lovingly retold for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org) in honor of those facing this difficult disease and the families who walk beside them.

Ja cie Kocham, Buscha 

Barbara “Babs” Armstrong Obituary

Barbara Ann “Babs” Armstrong (Cropek), age 86, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on May 6, 1940, in Conneaut, Ohio, to Alice and Stanley Cropek, Barbara was one of four children in a close-knit family whose story was rooted in resilience, hard work, and laughter.

When Barbara was seven years old, the Cropek family relocated to California, eventually settling in San Pablo. She fondly loved telling the story of how her father had their family home lifted and turned to make room for the surrounding motel he built, later known as the Ohio Motel, located along the bustling stretch of San Pablo Avenue. It was one of many stories she shared with pride and joy.

Barbara attended Richmond High School, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Armstrong. The two married in 1958 and began building a beautiful life together. They first made their home (Larry & his dad built) overlooking the Bay in El Sobrante before moving to Napa in 1971, where they planted deeper roots and raised their family.

A devoted wife and mother, Barbara poured her heart into creating a loving home for her children, David and Lori Armstrong. She was deeply involved in school activities, bazaars, and church events, always showing up with generosity and dedication. At St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, Barbara worked tirelessly and proudly served as chairman of the beloved Holiday Bazaar for several years, helping create cherished traditions for the community.

Barbara possessed a remarkable gift as a seamstress. In the early years, she lovingly made many of her children’s clothes by hand, later crafting beautiful prom dresses that brought her enormous pride. Her attention to detail and creativity touched everything she created.

In the late 1970s, Barbara discovered a passion that would remain with her for decades: tennis. She became actively involved with the Napa Valley Tennis Association and later the Napa Valley Country Club, where the entire family spent countless hours enjoying tennis, swimming, and golf together. Babs was known as a fierce competitor on the court, admired for her determination and unforgettable wicked cross-court shot.

As a mother, Barbara took immense pride in her children and embraced every opportunity to be present in their lives—cheering from the sidelines at games, volunteering as a team mom, scorekeeper at baseball games, helping with school projects, and ensuring her family felt deeply supported and loved. Holidays at Barbara’s home were magical, filled with laughter, thoughtful traditions, homemade Polish recipes, treats, and memories that would last generations.

Her greatest joy later in life came through her role as a grandmother. Lovingly known as “Buscha” (grandma in Polish), she adored her grandchildren, Breanna Shipp, Linda Armstrong, Lawrence Weber, and her beloved grandson Johnny Armstrong, who preceded her in death. Whether sharing family traditions, cheering them on, or simply being present, Buscha treasured every moment spent with them. She also shared a loving bond with granddaughter-in-law, Molly Weber, and cherished the time spent surrounded by family.

Barbara developed a particularly special relationship with her daughter Lori’s life partner, Craig Schweikl, who stood faithfully beside her through some of life’s most difficult moments. Craig brought laughter when it was needed most and he became a cherished part of her family.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Babs passionately cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, the Athletics, and anything tennis brought her great excitement.

Barbara also had a spirited side and embraced fun in the early years. She never passed up a trip to Reno or the opportunity to sit at a slot machine in hopes of a lucky win. During one memorable family trip, she happened to be in Reno during the filming of the movie Sister Act and proudly shared the story of appearing briefly in the film after being told to “look surprised” while sitting at a slot machine.

Anyone who knew Babs also knew she had a sweet tooth—especially for lemon-filled donuts from Butter Cream Bakery, a treat that never failed to make her smile.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence D. Armstrong; her cherished grandson, Johnny Armstrong; her brother, Robert “Bob”, and sisters Bernice & Caroline.

She is survived by her loving children, David and Lori Armstrong; her grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the many family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness, warmth, and strong opinions.

Though Alzheimer’s disease slowly changed parts of her, it never erased the beautiful spirit that made Barbara who she was—a woman of strength, devotion, humor, strong will and deep love for family.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will live on in holiday traditions, family laughter, tennis matches, sweet treats, and stories lovingly retold for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org) in honor of those facing this difficult disease and the families who walk beside them.

Ja cie Kocham, Buscha 

Barbara “Babs” Armstrong Obituary

Barbara Ann “Babs” Armstrong (Cropek), age 86, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on May 6, 1940, in Conneaut, Ohio, to Alice and Stanley Cropek, Barbara was one of four children in a close-knit family whose story was rooted in resilience, hard work, and laughter.

When Barbara was seven years old, the Cropek family relocated to California, eventually settling in San Pablo. She fondly loved telling the story of how her father had their family home lifted and turned to make room for the surrounding motel he built, later known as the Ohio Motel, located along the bustling stretch of San Pablo Avenue. It was one of many stories she shared with pride and joy.

Barbara attended Richmond High School, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Armstrong. The two married in 1958 and began building a beautiful life together. They first made their home (Larry & his dad built) overlooking the Bay in El Sobrante before moving to Napa in 1971, where they planted deeper roots and raised their family.

A devoted wife and mother, Barbara poured her heart into creating a loving home for her children, David and Lori Armstrong. She was deeply involved in school activities, bazaars, and church events, always showing up with generosity and dedication. At St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, Barbara worked tirelessly and proudly served as chairman of the beloved Holiday Bazaar for several years, helping create cherished traditions for the community.

Barbara possessed a remarkable gift as a seamstress. In the early years, she lovingly made many of her children’s clothes by hand, later crafting beautiful prom dresses that brought her enormous pride. Her attention to detail and creativity touched everything she created.

In the late 1970s, Barbara discovered a passion that would remain with her for decades: tennis. She became actively involved with the Napa Valley Tennis Association and later the Napa Valley Country Club, where the entire family spent countless hours enjoying tennis, swimming, and golf together. Babs was known as a fierce competitor on the court, admired for her determination and unforgettable wicked cross-court shot.

As a mother, Barbara took immense pride in her children and embraced every opportunity to be present in their lives—cheering from the sidelines at games, volunteering as a team mom, scorekeeper at baseball games, helping with school projects, and ensuring her family felt deeply supported and loved. Holidays at Barbara’s home were magical, filled with laughter, thoughtful traditions, homemade Polish recipes, treats, and memories that would last generations.

Her greatest joy later in life came through her role as a grandmother. Lovingly known as “Buscha” (grandma in Polish), she adored her grandchildren, Breanna Shipp, Linda Armstrong, Lawrence Weber, and her beloved grandson Johnny Armstrong, who preceded her in death. Whether sharing family traditions, cheering them on, or simply being present, Buscha treasured every moment spent with them. She also shared a loving bond with granddaughter-in-law, Molly Weber, and cherished the time spent surrounded by family.

Barbara developed a particularly special relationship with her daughter Lori’s life partner, Craig Schweikl, who stood faithfully beside her through some of life’s most difficult moments. Craig brought laughter when it was needed most and he became a cherished part of her family.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Babs passionately cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, the Athletics, and anything tennis brought her great excitement.

Barbara also had a spirited side and embraced fun in the early years. She never passed up a trip to Reno or the opportunity to sit at a slot machine in hopes of a lucky win. During one memorable family trip, she happened to be in Reno during the filming of the movie Sister Act and proudly shared the story of appearing briefly in the film after being told to “look surprised” while sitting at a slot machine.

Anyone who knew Babs also knew she had a sweet tooth—especially for lemon-filled donuts from Butter Cream Bakery, a treat that never failed to make her smile.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence D. Armstrong; her cherished grandson, Johnny Armstrong; her brother, Robert “Bob”, and sisters Bernice & Caroline.

She is survived by her loving children, David and Lori Armstrong; her grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the many family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness, warmth, and strong opinions.

Though Alzheimer’s disease slowly changed parts of her, it never erased the beautiful spirit that made Barbara who she was—a woman of strength, devotion, humor, strong will and deep love for family.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will live on in holiday traditions, family laughter, tennis matches, sweet treats, and stories lovingly retold for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org) in honor of those facing this difficult disease and the families who walk beside them.

Ja cie Kocham, Buscha 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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