Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I met Arlene when we were both in our teens. She was likely eighteen or nineteen and already engaged to a wonderful young man, Peter Ianzano. When I was saw her, I was immediately struck by how pretty and fun-loving she was. Her external beauty matched an inner beauty, a sincere goodness, as well.
As the years unfolded, I observed Arlene grow and flourish as a wife, a young mother, a festidious homemaker and cook, and, a bit later, as a student.
Arlene returned to college and, with two children at home, earned her degree and began teaching, a profession -- a calling really -- for which she was born to pursue. She was inspiring!
I also observed, over several decades, Arlene's dedication to her parents, her in-laws, her children of course, her brother, and really all of her relatives. She often hosted exquisite holiday dinners, going "all out" to prepare nearly everything herself. No holiday or birthday or Communion or graduation went uncelebrated to the Nth degree!
I could go on and on, but to say that Arlene excelled at everything she undertook would succinctly describe her.
Most of all, Arlene LOVED faithfully and DELIGHTED in the greatest gift of all -- one's family.
Rest in Peace, Arlene.
I will always remember you with great fondness.
