Fern H. Armstrong

Fern Hodge Armstrong, 94, of Rockford, died Saturday August 23, 2025 at Wesley Willows. Fern was born April 14, 1931 in Danville IL to Thomas Reid Hodge and Elsa (Anders) Hodge. Fern’s musical career started at the age of 10 when she became an accompanist at a local voice studio in Danville. She earned a piano scholarship to the University of Illinois, pledging Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity and graduating in 1952. She pursued graduate work at Illinois with summer jobs at Interlochen Arts Camp before beginning her teaching career in the Ottawa and Moline public schools. 

Fern married John Armstrong in 1958 and moved to Rockford, where they raised three daughters. During this time, she taught private piano lessons and remained active in the local music community, joining the SAI Alumni chapter and performing as a soloist and accompanist. Fern was an inaugural member of the U of I School of Music Alumni board, serving as President 1987-1993. She received the U of I Constituent Leadership Award in 1993. Fern was an active member of Court Street United Methodist Church for many years. She taught Sunday School and rewrote the elementary Sunday School curriculum, directed numerous Christmas pageants, and was a loyal member of the Chancel Choir. More recently, she enjoyed participating in her women’s circle. Fern was fascinated by genealogy and became an active member of the Rockford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. After retirement, Fern enjoyed traveling with John, especially visits with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Survivors include; daughters, Sally (William) Gradle, Carol (William) Wiechmann, Diana (John) Pecina. Grandchildren; Erin (Kyle) Kiifner, Ben (Indira Cortes) Gradle, Sarah Wiechmann, Teresa Pecina. Great Grandchildren: Jackson Kiifner, Lucy Kiifner, Paulo Gradle. Predeceased by parents, husband John Armstrong, brothers George Reid and Richard Gray, and grandson Eric Pecina. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11th at Mendelssohn Club beginning at 1pm, including a musical program and tea. All are welcome. A private burial service for Fern’s family will be held at Scandinavian Cemetery the following day. Memorials may be sent to the Sigma Alpha Iota (Rockford Alumni chapter) or to the Kirk’s Place Memory Care Fund at Wesley Willows. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.