Arlene C. STEFFENS

WILLIAMSBURG - Arlene Chapman Steffens, 100, passed away on Dec. 31, 2009, in Williamsburg. She was a resident of Patriots Colony.
She was born in East Moriches, Long Island, N.Y., on September 25, 1909, the youngest child of Joseph and Welcome Eva Chapman. She attended Center Moriches High School, transferring her senior year to Patchogue High School, where she graduated in 1926. In 1929, at age 19, she graduated from Plattsburgh State Teachers College, Plattsburgh N.Y. Teaching High School commercial business subjects, she initially taught in South Fallsburg and Philmont, N.Y. From 1932 to 1937, she taught at Hampton Bays, Long Island. While there she coached the five year straight championship girl's basketball team. She eventually taught in Center Moriches and Eastport, N.Y.; Indian Head and Highpoint, Md.; Roosevelt High School in Washington D.C.; and Berkley, Calif. She lived a full and interesting life, living and making friends in eight states.
An early aviator, in 1932, she earned her private pilots certificate, flying from her brother's "flying field." Arlene loved her dogs, playing bridge, gardening and golf. She was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, George Brown Steffens.
She is survived by her son, Rodney Chapman Steffens of Williamsburg, Va.; her nephews, Jacque Chapman of Wallingford, Conn., and Richard Smid of Brattleboro, Vt.
A graveside service will be conducted at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Center Moriches, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Va. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.