Arlene Kieta

1933 - 2016

BORN

1933

DIED

2016

Arlene Kieta Obituary

Arlene M. Kieta passed away after a courageous battle with COPD on January 25, 2016 in New York City. Born on July 30, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Bruno Charles and Marie Ester Fedro Kieta. Among her many accomplishments: former beauty queen, model, convention narrator, Broadway, film, and television actress including game show co-host, radio disk jockey and, as a success Entrepreneur, she established her own public relations firm specializing in fashion, food and travel sectors. Arlene had a continuous involvement in philanthropic endeavors partially including: Polish Assistance League; Light House for the Blind; Metropolitan Opera; Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art; NYC Public Library; Notre Dame HS (Arlene Kieta Communications Scholarship); Father Wasson's "Friends of the Orphans" (board member and supporting a Godchild in 10 different SA countries); and Knights of Malta, "Lady of Justice". Arlene was preceded in death by her loving parents and dear brother Raymond. She is survived by her close and loving brother Dennis L. (Cindy), his children, Kristine M., Derek R. (Emily), Kimberly A Cermak (Jeff), Cody K., and step-son Ryan Rasmussen, along with 5 great nieces and nephews; numerous relatives, Godchildren, and life-long friends. A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Saviour Catholic Church (38th & Park) in New York on Friday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m., with private interment later in Chicago. Please do not send flowers, as Our Saviour Church will not display flowers during Lent. In honor of Arlene's giving spirit, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Kieta

Not sure what to say?





Siempre estás en mis pensamientos..con mucho cariño y amor.

Leticia Ramirez Morales

December 22, 2023

This is ironic! I was just looking at old sent emails, and I had one from Arlene, I moved it to the family folder and had great thoughts about her and laughed. This was yesterday.

Ross Hayes

Family

February 1, 2023

I´m sorry to hear Arlene has passed but she is with all of her fabulous people like my parents. Arlene was a model with my Mom in the 50´s. She was my Auntie Mame like the movie. Her life was the opposite of my Mom´s. Both were such beauties and super fun gals. I wanted to be like Auntie Arlene who in my eyes had it all. She traveled around the world and brought back exotic gifts for me and the stories she would tell had me hanging on the edge with excitement. I lost touch with her after my parents passed away. We spoke a few times on the phone. Last time I chatted with her she was on a portable oxygen tank and was on stage in a play. Arlene was that fabulous she could make an oxygen tank a prop while she kept being Arlene whom I´ve always thought of as my own Auntie Mame!!

Marisa Pollak

Friend

July 23, 2021

Thinking of my honorary Godmother this Christmas and missing her infectious courage.
E.D. Tarbox Hill

E.D. Tarbox Hill

December 20, 2017

Arlene Kieta Aunty U Are My Inspiration Long Kluss Family Childhood Friends That Became Part Of Our Family Now Our Guardian Angel In Heaven Arlene Kieta Made Great Memories For Our Family That Last Forever R.I.P.

Albert Kluss

December 4, 2017

Dennis and family,

We are all so sorry for your loss. My mom and I were talking about Arlene and she had told me that she has been calling and calling and never heard back. I started digging and found this. Auntie Arlene brought so much happiness every time she would visit and we all have such great memories of her. I was in New Hope a few months ago and went by Smokerise thinking she may have been around. I'm am so sad to hear this news and my Mom sends her love as well. She was a great "Lady" and will be missed!

~ Louis Silvestri and Family

August 10, 2016

Dear Dear Arlene... Honored to have known such a lovely spirit!! I will forever think of you in my prayers & with a smile always... Thank you for all the joy you brought... May you rest in eternal peace...

Deborah Yvars

March 7, 2016

What an inspiration to live life to the fullest. Arlene was my Godmother and faithfully kept in touch with me my whole life. She and my mom were models together in Chicago and they were lifelong friends. Peace be with you, Godmother Arlene.

Monte Brill

February 28, 2016

Arlene's faith had legs with the many corporal works of mercy that she did. I will always remember my first visit to New York, and the fun times we shared with her and my family.
May her soul rest in peace for God is Love and Mercy Itself.

Her Godchild,
Sharon Keas - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sharon Keas

February 27, 2016

Friends and family of Arlene, I will never forget her voice, her fabulous birthday parties and her glamorous attire. She was truly a grande dame and will be sorely missed by Polish Assistance where her contributions to the Bal Polonaise were legendary. The Amateur Comedy Club, where she was a member for over 25 years, will not be the same without her. Farewell dear friend.

Eric Kuzmuk

February 22, 2016

Too many memories to list or ever let go of. I hold the place of "the first Godchild". Be at peace.

Nancy King

February 18, 2016

Arlene was one of a kind, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have known her for many years. Her stories were always fascinating and entertaining, as was she. Rest in Peace, Lady Arlene.

Susan Lee

February 18, 2016

Arlene was truly one of a kind, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have known her for many years. Her stories were always fascinating, as was she. Rest in Peace, Lady Arlene <3

Susan Lee

February 18, 2016

Arlene was always the life of the party.
She will not be forgotten.

Eve Heffer

February 15, 2016

I will never forget the light that she had around her. See you later aunt Arlene.

Ross Hayes

February 14, 2016

Dennis and family......my name is Paul Krause and your brother Ray was a very close friend. I knew Arlene and will and have missed them both. Ray died in 1959 while in the army. God bless Arlene and Ray and. God bless and help your family in this trying time. Thank you

February 10, 2016

Lady Arlene Kieta is now exploring another world of mystery.

Wishing you a peaceful journey,

Joanne Boyne
Chicago, Illinois

February 9, 2016

So very sorry. We loved Arlene! We have many fond memories of shared times with her.

Mary Alice Kropp

February 8, 2016

DEAR DENNIS AND FAMILY,
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS.
PATRICIA FULLER

February 7, 2016

It was an honor to know Arlene for many years and to share fun times with her at chili cook-offs and at my home where she was a guest occasionally.

I was thrilled to attend her birthday party several years ago. What a fantastic party for a truly remarkable lady.

Rest in peace, Arlene, and thanks for your friendship.

Beverly King
A Virginia Chili Cook

February 7, 2016

Sincere condolences to all for the loss of this lovely, classy lady. She was a wonderful presence at the chili cookoffs in the NE area. She will be missed.

Audrey and Steve Falkowski

February 7, 2016

Our sincere condolences on the loss of this remarkable woman. It was our honor to know her and get to see her at Chili Cookoff. May her memory always bring joy to all who knew her.
Nick and Johanna Loddo

Johanna Loddo

February 7, 2016

A fascinating lady that will be missed by all. RIP Arlene

Tracy Salisbury

February 6, 2016

The Spirit of this extraordinary woman, that I miss....giving love and so much else, and keeping on...oxygen tank and all. On stage in a play, heading to the Evergreen Cafe daily as she could when she was curtailed by her COPD, joy! That was this wonderful loving generous gorgeous woman!

Joan Boyle

February 5, 2016

Dear Dennis and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your sister Arlene. We were neighbors on Mango Avenue -(one of the many Klests) but have lived in the NY area for the past 52 years. Holding you and all of your family in my heart.
Mary Klest Galagher

Mary Gallagher

February 5, 2016

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Arlene Kieta's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Arlene Kieta

Feb

12

Memorial Mass

10:00 a.m.

Our Saviour Catholic Church

38th & Park, New York, TX 10018

How to support Arlene's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Arlene Kieta's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more