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Arlene Futch Obituary
May 9, 1938
December 18, 2013
Arlene, 75, of Lafayette passed away on December 18 at home with her loving husnband John after a remarkable battle with cancer.
Arlene was born at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco on May 9, 1938 to Irene Mary (Lombardi) and Charles Theodore Carlson. Arlene was an only child and first generation American, raised in South San Francisco in a predominately Italian neighborhood surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. Arlene graduated from South City High School in 1956. Arlene's high school friendships lasted her lifetime. She enjoyed her friends from "Club" and looked forward to every gathering. She attended San Francisco City College for two years.
In 1958, Arlene became a TWA stewardess to travel the world. Stationed in New Jersey and Chicago, Arlene made more life-long friends. This November they gathered in Yountville to celebrate their 55-year reunion.
Arlene married John Edmund Futch in 1961 and retired from TWA to raise their children. Arlene was active in the community and enjoyed many years helping at Springhill School, working in the babysitting co-op, and again making friends that she would keep for life. Spending summers at her family's Lake Tahoe cabin was a family highlight. Arlene's loving spirit was contagious, and her influence extended beyond her own children to their friends and families and beyond.
After raising her family, Arlene began a successful career working alongside John at their company International Contract Furnishers, purchasing furniture for beautiful resorts and hotels all over the country. After their joint retirement in 1999, Arlene enjoyed her most cherished role as "Nonni" to her beloved grandchildren.
Arlene is survived by her husband, John Futch, and her children Robert (Karen) Futch, Karin (Eric Monk), Kathleen (Scott) Dalecio, Kristen (Patrick) Phillips, Michael (Lara) Futch and stepson Kevin (Keri) Futch. Nonni leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Matthew, Madeline and Thomas Futch, James Monk, Joseph, Daniel and Julia Dalecio, Samuel Armstrong and Jack Phillips, Camden and Chaelo Futch, Sean, Megan and Janelle Futch and Anthony and Amelia Futch. She fought hard to witness the birth of the next grandson (#17) due within the week.
Family and friends are invited to a vigil service on Friday, December 20 at 6:00pm at Hull's Mortuary, 1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA and a funeral service on Saturday, December 21 at 10:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill, CA. Burial at Lafayette Cemetery will be private. Please join the family to celebrate Arlene at a luncheon following the funeral service at Zio Fraedo's, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Futch
Peter Engbretson
January 9, 2014
In a tribute to the late astronomer Carl Sagan, a colleague said, "...we are the sum of the influence and impact that we have, in our lives, on others." By this measure, Arlene Carlson Futch was the gold standard. Her influence and impact are incalculable and will ripple on and on through generations of family and friends. When it seems impossible that Arlene is gone, we must remember that she is not; she is in each of us. That is her gift to all who knew and loved her.
John & Mary Futch
December 23, 2013
Our world will be a little less bright without you in it. What a legacy you've created. Our loss is heavens gain. Rest now. We love you.
Jane (Axley) Axley-Hinds
December 23, 2013
Arlene & I had grown apart over the years, but I always loved her & we were friends & neighbors during grammar & high school. She will be missed,
Alison Engell
December 23, 2013
I was the first one to call you "Auntie" and you were one of my favorite persons on earth. You will always be in my heart.
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December 21, 2013
Rob, Karen, Matthew, Madeline and Thomas - I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Laura
Bob & Dede Buckley
December 21, 2013
Arlene will be lovingly missed. She was a best friend and sister in spirit forever. The wonderful memories are far to many to list, but will always be cherished.
Good bye Arlene we love you,
Dede and Bob Buckley
Stabile Family
December 21, 2013
May you find comfort in wonderful memories. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Betty Maccagno
December 20, 2013
I'm so glad that my daughter & I stopped by last month when I was in the Bay Area & had a glass of wine with you & John. You will forever be in our prayers. Every time we have Club I will think of you & our past adventures.
Dee Marnofsky
December 20, 2013
What an amazing women, and a honor to know. I have loved her from our very first introduction. She had this wonderful presence and a way of making you feel like family. We are truly blessed to have had her in our life.
December 20, 2013
"Arlene", we were each others very first friends and lived next door to each other for years. You were also the God Mother to my sons and all though we hadn't seen each other for many years I always thought of you often.
You were a bright and shinning star and will be missed by every life you touched.
Rest in peace my very dear friend.
Jeannie (Rozzi) Burke
December 20, 2013
Rest in Peace Dear Friend We love you and your wonderful family. We feel honored to have known you.
Yvonne & Giles McGrath
December 20, 2013
I will miss Arlene talking about books, Italian lessons and her grandchildren.I had the pleasure of knowing her at CCO. I am so sorry for your loss. Susan Shand RN
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