Arlene Goldstine

Arlene Goldstine

Knoxville, TN

Arlene Schoenburg Goldstine, 75, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2015 from interstitial lung disease. Months before her death, she penned her obituary which is printed in its entirety:

Arlene was her own worst enemy. Never satisfied with anything short of perfection, she spent her lifetime ceaselessly striving for the ultimate. To that end, she amassed every possible possession one might ever want or need and constantly took time and trouble to sort, catalogue and file all she accumulated. She endlessly sought that one elusive thing which would constitute unflawed completion and fulfill her longing for wholeness.

Arlene was predeceased by beloved best friend and close and constant companion Michael Waters and parents Doloris Dwyer and Edward Schoenburg. Ms. Goldstine is survived by two children: Gloria and Philip with their spouses Michael Wald and Leigh Anne Goldstine and their children: Hannah Wald and Grant and Matthew Goldstine, and their seven cats and two dogs. Also, sister Sylvia who was her closest friend and confidant, with husband Louis Jennis and their daughter Ligeia and nephew Lucas survive her. Further, she had a coterie of dear and cherished lifetime friends with whom she shared facets of herself. In addition, she leaves countless containers of every size and description, boxes by the gross, numbers of notebooks, millions of magazines, numerous newspaper clippings, infinite photos, mountains of memorabilia, cartons of cancelled checks, tons of tapes, drawers of doodads, hoards of housewares, boxes of books, closets of clothes, shelves of shoes and purses to rival Imelda Marcos! Majoring in journalism and communications, Ms. Goldstine earned a degree from the University of Illinois as well as an A. S. degree from Pellissippi State in the field of Information Technology where she was named Outstanding Student of 1985-86, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. In addition, Goldstine was a CDP (Certified Data Processor) and CCP (Certified Computing Professional). Arlene was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. She also studied Art History and Appreciation at the Barnes Foundation in Merion, Pennsylvania. After graduation, Arlene worked in several firms and industries as a Systems Programmer/Data Analyst. When retired in 1998, she returned to the pursuit of her many interests. Arlene's hobbies were varied, numerous, and passionate. She was a Silver Life Master in bridge, collected and viewed art, read voraciously, wrote short stories, worked word puzzles, was always and avid sports enthusiast, and at one time was considered by some to be a gourmet cook and hostess. While living in New Jersey as a member of Jayce-ettes, Arlene taught cooking to a group of teenagers attending a drug addiction program which merited a one-page newspaper article. After moving to Knoxville, Ms. Goldstine belonged to the Jewish Community Center and was an active member of Temple Beth El for many years where she taught for some time. While living in three states prior to moving to Knoxville, she also taught religious school. She was an active member of the Knoxville Museum of Art, co-chairing the Collectors Circle and contributing articles to the KMA Guild newsletter. She also had been a board member of the Oak Ridge Art Center. Additional activities included theatre, symphony, and 50's music and wherever she lived, she tremendously enjoyed decorating her house. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Ft. Sanders NHC for their excellent and loving care." We are thankful for the many friends and family members who visited and called during her illness, greatly lifting her spirits." Arlene's body will be sent to Champaign, Illinois, her hometown, where she will be buried alongside many of her relatives. A celebration of Arlene's life will be held on April 25, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Arstein Jewish Community Center. A luncheon to honor her culinary and entertaining skills will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or the Knoxville Museum of Art are welcomed. On-line condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.