Daughter's loving tribute to Pokesdown stab victim Rosemary Armstrong (From Bournemouth Echo)

Daughter's loving tribute to Pokesdown stab victim Rosemary Armstrong

10:00am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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A DAUGHTER has paid tribute to a former teacher stabbed to death outside a block of flats.

Rosemary Elaine Armstrong, 69, suffered multiple stab wounds in the incident in Bournemouth on August 25.

Her daughter Fiona Henderson, 41, described her mother – who was known as Elaine – as a beautiful, elegant, courageous and compassionate woman with a devilish sense of humour, who lived for her children and for other people.

“She was always thinking of others before she thought of herself and was very selfless,” she said.

Mrs Henderson, who lives in San Francisco where she works as an advertising company manager, added: “I remember growing up, she was always trying to teach us things and trying to impart knowledge. She was very loving, generous and kind, but at the same time she was a very strong lady.”

Mrs Armstrong worked as a teacher at Fordingbridge Junior School for 12 years, leaving in July 2001.

She grew up in north London and moved to the Salisbury area about 40 years ago. She regularly attended the local church and the Redlynch History Society.

The former PE teacher enjoyed reading, going to the theatre and travelling.

The family has been hit by tragedy before – Mrs Armstrong’s youngest daughter Bryony died of a brain tumour when she was five years old.

“I think she loved teaching the little ones in particular,” said Ms Henderson. “She was just very generous with her time and her knowledge. She had a lot of patience – it was very sweet to see.”

Divorced Mrs Armstrong’s body was found outside flats in Queensland Road, Boscombe.

Dorset Police launched a murder investigation and a 39-year-old woman, believed to be Mrs Armstrong’s other daughter, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being assessed at a secure mental unit.

“She fought for my sister and provided amazing strength for her and for the family,” said Ms Henderson, who has lived abroad for ten years and had bought tickets for her mother to spend Christmas with her this year.

“She was extremely resilient and a very strong woman who bore a lot of trials in her life but bore them with amazing determination and courage.

“She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends.”