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BORN
1933
DIED
2016
Arlene Kieta Obituary
1933-2016
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 successful Entrepreneur, she established her own public relations firm specializing in fashion, food and travel sectors. Arlene was a stunningly beautiful woman matched only by her inner beauty.
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) 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Kieta
Leticia Ramirez Morales
December 22, 2023
Siempre estás en mis pensamientos..con mucho cariño y amor.
Ross Hayes
February 1, 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.
Marisa Pollak
July 23, 2021
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!!
E.D. Tarbox Hill
December 20, 2017
Thinking of my honorary Godmother this Christmas and missing her infectious courage.
E.D. Tarbox Hill
Albert Kluss
December 4, 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.
August 10, 2016
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
Deborah Yvars
March 7, 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...
Monte Brill
February 28, 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.
Sharon Keas
February 27, 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
Eric Kuzmuk
February 22, 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.
Nancy King
February 18, 2016
Too many memories to list or ever let go of. I hold the place of "the first Godchild". Be at peace.
Susan Lee
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
Eve Heffer
February 15, 2016
Arlene was always the life of the party.
She will not be forgotten.
Ross Hayes
February 14, 2016
I will never forget the light that she had around her. See you later aunt Arlene.
February 10, 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 9, 2016
Lady Arlene Kieta is now exploring another world of mystery.
Wishing you a peaceful journey,
Joanne Boyne
Chicago, Illinois
Mary Alice Kropp
February 8, 2016
So very sorry. We loved Arlene! We have many fond memories of shared times with her.
February 7, 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
Audrey and Steve Falkowski
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.
Johanna Loddo
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
Tracy Salisbury
February 6, 2016
A fascinating lady that will be missed by all. RIP Arlene
Joan Boyle
February 5, 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!
Mary Gallagher
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
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