The Trent University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Ann Armstrong, Trent alumna, and a long-time employee with the University for over 20 years.

Ms. Armstrong began her career at Trent in 1997 in the Academic Skills Centre. In 1999 she moved into the position of writing instructor in Academic Skills, a position she held until becoming a senior academic skills instructor in 2007. Ms. Armstrong continued her career at Trent as an academic skills instructor in marketing and outreach from 2014 until early 2018.

Below is an excerpt from her obituary notice:

Mary Ann studied English as an undergraduate at Trent University and later earned a Master of English from the University of Toronto. In between, she travelled to Ecuador, where she tutored students in English. After graduating from U of T, she launched her career at Trent University’s Academic Skills Centre. Mary Ann spent 20 years at Trent, teaching writing to undergraduates. She was a rigorous grammarian; her nieces and nephews were known to refer to summer holidays with her as “Camp Grammar.” A gifted teacher, she was able to make clear the complexities of the English language. Mary Ann was an avid reader all her life, devouring books from the time she first learned to read. Mary Ann lived a rich life of the mind, she loved beauty -- in music, dance, literature, and nature -- and appreciated the time, quiet, and solitude to enjoy it. She shared her intelligence, knowledge, and humour with her friends; she was profoundly grateful for their many kindnesses, especially in her final illness, and for the pleasure of their company over many years. In memory of Mary Ann, the family would be grateful for donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice Peterborough, or a charity of your choice.

Trent University extends heartfelt sympathies to Ms. Armstrong’s family and friends, and to all who knew her at Trent University.