![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/2.6513057.jpg\")
Tributes have been paid to the \u201cquiet but powerful\u201d widow of one of Northern Ireland\u2019s Disappeared, who has died aged 90.<\/p>\nTributes have been paid to the \u201cquiet but powerful\u201d widow of one of Northern Ireland\u2019s Disappeared, who has died aged 90.<\/p>\n
Kathleen Armstrong\u2019s husband Charlie was one of the 16 people who were murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the course of Northern Ireland\u2019s troubled past.<\/p>\n
Mr Armstrong was last seen on his way to Mass in Crossmaglen, Co Armagh in August 1981.<\/p>\n
His remains lay undiscovered for almost 30 years, until they were found in July 2010 in a bog at Colgagh, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan following a search by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims\u2019 Remains (ICLVR).<\/p>\n
Actor James Nesbitt was among those who paid tribute to Mrs Armstrong, who died in a nursing home on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve known Kathleen for many years, and like all who met her, including presidents and prime ministers, it was her warmth, kindness and a deep spiritual presence that stayed with you for ever after,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the almost unimaginable pain and grief of not only losing Charlie, but for the best part of 30 years not knowing where he lay, she never let it get in the way of the compassion she felt and showed to others, especially those who suffered the same pain and grief.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandra Peake, chief executive of the Wave Trauma Center, which has supported the families of the Disappeared since the 1990s, described Mrs Armstrong as an \u201cexceptional woman of grace with a heart of gold\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was a woman of great faith and serenity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe never gave up hoping and praying that Charlie would be brought home.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe never accused anyone or expressed bitterness.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was the absolute embodiment of fortitude and dignity in the face of an enduring tragedy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd there was a no more warm and welcoming place than Kathleen\u2019s home, and everyone who crossed the door felt so much better for having been in her company.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geoff Knupfer, the lead investigator of the ICLVR, said it was \u201cvery sad news\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cKathleen was a lovely woman and so gracious in all her dealings with the ICLVR,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone involved was so glad that we were able to return Charlie\u2019s remains for the Christian burial that had been denied for so long.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all knew what it meant to Kathleen to be able to lay Charlie to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Armstrong is survived by her daughter Anna and sons Charles, Jim and Terry.<\/p>\n
The search goes on for the final three members of the Disappeared whose remains are still missing.<\/p>\n