V. Esther (Hastings) Armstrong, 87, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Ralph P. Armstrong passed away on March 26, 2014. She was born May 3, 1926 in Middletown daughter of the late Cedric and Lucy (Shufelt) Hastings and had been a resident of Manchester since 1956. For the last 4 years she resided at Emeritus Assisted Living in South Windsor. She grew up in Bloomfield CT and graduated from Hartford High School in 1944. Esther was employed after high school for Hartford Machine & Screw, (now Stanadyne) , a position she enjoyed and was very proud of. In the early 1940s, teenage girls were asked to knit something for the "boys overseas" and include their name. Esther's package was received by a soldier stationed in Alaska, who would later come to CT to meet her. That soldier was Ralph, who would become Esther's loving husband of 55 years. They married in September of 1945. They enjoyed dining out, day trips, and vacationing in Hampton Beach, NH. She is survived by her son, Stephen Armstrong and his wife, Monica Floryan of South Windsor, her daughter, Patricia McIntosh and her husband, Ronald of Avon and her five loving grandchildren; Matthew, Michael and Kelly McIntosh and Emily and Hannah Armstrong. She also leaves behind many close relatives and friends. Esther was an active member of both Center Congregational and Second Congregational Church. She was a member of Manchester WATES for over 30 years, serving numerous positions including president. Esther will be especially remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, homemade Christmas stockings, and award winning apple pies. She was a dedicated friend to all who knew her. Her favorite pastime was to spend time with her children and grandchildren whom she loved to joke with and pass on stories. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center St. Manchester from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 31st at 11:00 am at Watkins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.