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Arlene Brown Obituary
A lifelong resident of Niantic, Arlene was born to Arthur and Frances (Burke) Filosi on Aug. 26, 1932, in New London.
In 1951, after graduating from Williams Memorial Institute, she married Robert L. Brown Jr. at St. Agnes Church in Niantic.
Arlene spent 10 years as a tour guide for Kaplan Tours. For 23 years, up until 2012, she worked as a homestay coordinator for the Center for International Training, Inc., arranging homestays for visiting students from Japan. Mrs. Brown also spent time as a troop leader and southeastern Connecticut regional coordinator for the Girl Scouts. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with lifelong friend, Ginger Benson.
Those closest to Arlene knew her for devotion to family and friends, love of the beach, her adventuresome and playful spirit, and talent in the kitchen. Her welcoming ways and compassion touched so many.
Arlene will be greatly missed by her adoring family. She is survived by her seven children, son, Robert L. Brown III of Japan, daughters, Pamela Brown of Leyden, Mass., Cynthia Brown Yackenchick of Greenfield, Mass., Roberta Brown Brugo of Cos Cob, Margaret Brown of Leyden, Mass., Catherine Calzarette of Winsted, and Christine Dwight of Southbury; 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Gischel of Pennsylvania and Joyce Clark of Niantic.
She was preceded in death by her husband, brother, Arthur Filosi, sisters, Grace Burdick and Jeanette Martin.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m at St. Agnes Church, Niantic. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, New London.
Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or St. Agnes Church, Niantic, CT 06357.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Brown
You found the light mom and I'll join you there some day.
Roberta Brown Brugo
November 21, 2014
As I viewed the spectacular video and photos of my dear mother, Arlene and beloved family, tears flowed and allowed my tender heart to grieve and open a little bit more. I am full of love and gratitude taking in all the pictures. It brought back wonderful memories and allowed me to feel the depths of Divine love that our special family shares with one another and the world. May our mother's memory live on forever.
Special thanks to our sister Cynthia for all the time, energy and creativity that she invested in documenting our family's legacy, as well as, all the photographers! ??
Elizabeth Gischel
November 12, 2014
The Angels came and took my dear sister Arlene to Heaven. I miss her dearly, but will see her again. God Bless you Arlene.
Carolyn Church Pitcher
November 4, 2014
Arlene was a lovely lady and great mother to a large family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this painful time. No matter how long this has been coming on, it is one of the most difficult things children must do. God be with you all.
Carolyn Church Pitcher
Janice Rando Gentilella
November 3, 2014
Betty, I am sorry to hear of Arlene's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Athena Dousis Cone
November 3, 2014
Deepest sympathy to a friendly and busy lady whom I Known all my life.
Lynnea Mahlke
November 3, 2014
Arlene will be missed. I knew her thanks to teaching ESL teacher for the Center for International Training. My condolences to her family.
Rusty Penston
November 1, 2014
Auntie Arlene was a very good Aunt, as anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her knew. I spent many summers with her and Uncle Booby as well as my cousins. What a wonderful time and beautiful family. Very fond memories that I carry with me to this day. I love you Auntie Arlene, thank you for so many warm moments with you, Uncle Bobby and my first cousins.
David Sobiech
October 30, 2014
Aunt Arlene You were very kind.
You were my mom's older sister and you were a good role model .You were a strong person we looked up to in the family.
You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Aunt Arlene Brown
Lenny Zarcone
October 29, 2014
These pictures of your mom and dad and you and your brother and sisters are so wonderful. The one of your mom smiling as a young girl is so moving to see. One can't help but smile too when seeing her brightness shine through. Thank you for sharing these pictures and her memorial with us all. What a gift it is when our moms are here so far into our lives. If the heaven we are taught as Catholics is true, we all get to be together again ....like that moment in the picture here of you all together. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all who love her.
Kathryn Whitehurst
October 29, 2014
My heart goes out to you Roberta as you go though this time of sadness.May your wonderful memories of her help sustain you as you grieve your mother's passing. I send peace & healing prayers to you & your family during this difficult time.
October 29, 2014
My heart felt condolences to Arlene's wonderful family.... Arlene was the best! I knew her as a repeat host parent, volunteer and ESL instructor for CIT. Over time, we became good friends. I am sure I speak for all the host families and students who were involved with CIT. It was a wonderful experience! Not only did our family learn about Japanese culture, it planted a seed of global mindedness for which we are very grateful. This program was clearly Arlene's pride and joy.
Arlene was kind, witty, energetic and loved talking about her children and grandchildren. During the final months of her life, she showed enormous inner strength and grace. It was a privilege to know Arlene and to share plenty of laughs over ice cream, lunch, trips to the beach.... I am going to
miss her.
Melinda (East Lyme, Ct)
Liz Weiner
October 29, 2014
Arlene Brown was a wonderful person. I knew her from the Japanese exchange student program she would organise in East Lyme. That program meant so much to me, and I know Arlene's dedication made it the outstanding program it was. I will always remember her kindness and friendship. My deepest condolences to her family.
Stacey Green
October 29, 2014
Dear Roberta and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. The GH Volunteer Staff and Auxiliary.
October 29, 2014
John and I were sorry to hear about Arlene.
Margaret Delaney
Diana and Ethan Weiner
October 29, 2014
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We knew Arlene from hosting many Japanese students over the years. Arlene was a wonderful person, always cheerful with a ready laugh, and a beehive of energy. Please take comfort in knowing that she made a tremendous difference in many young lives. She will be dearly missed.
October 29, 2014
So sorry to hear this, my thoughts are with you. Ginny Adams Beebe
Donna Blackman
October 29, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to all of Arlene's family. I was fortunate enough to meet her and get to know her through the Japanese homestay program. Arlene had an amazing personality, and we had much in common, as I worked with the Girl Scouts as well. I enjoyed her stories of her time with the scouts, as well as stories from her past. I could talk with her for hours. When she became too ill to participate in the program, I often asked after her through her son Robert. Wishing all of you strength in the days ahead. She will be missed.
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