Arlene GOULD

With profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved sister on January 12, 2023 while wintering in southern Spain. Arlene was 72. Predeceased by her baby sister Kathleen (1953) and parents William Nippel (1993) and Alma (2018) and former husband Lanny Gould (2015). Loving mother to Jesse (Heather) of Nevada and Mandy (Matthew) in Australia. Beloved "GG" to Elize, Sebastian, Eli and Zoe, to whom she referred to as "her beauties". Dear sister of Ruth (Luby) of Washington state, Bill (Ruth) of Listowel and Robert (Patricia) of Kitchener. Special aunt to LA (Mark) of California, Caleb, Court and Katie (Paul), all of Kitchener. Great-aunt to PJ.
Born in Kitchener, Arlene was a big influence on her young brothers, introducing them to the Beatles, bell bottom jeans and long hair. She protectively walked them to primary school and led them on long nature walks with her brigade of girlfriends, following streams, through fields and forests. Arlene started her life of adventure and discovery immediately after graduating from St. Mary's high school. Eschewing all conventions and cold weather, she eventually landed in Vancouver in 1970, heady times of the hippie migration west. This lead to many memorable family trips to BC including a cross country drive with her brothers. In Vancouver she met her husband Lanny, adopted the Jewish faith and helped raise 2 compassionate kids and a rescue dog. She celebrated family events and traditions in a big way while tirelessly immersing herself in community-led humanitarian causes. While travelling in Cuba she bought a 1950's classic car for a struggling family to start a taxi business.
Arlene was the faithful one for keeping in touch. Never forgetting her family back east, she always sent letters, notes and thoughtful personal gifts, making the pilgrimage home at least once yearly. More recently she spent much time visiting her children's young families in Australia and Nevada. Arlene had a tastefully understated fashion sense and gift for decorating. She was an amazing cook.
An avid gardener, she spent hours happily pruning and resurrecting everyone's gardens she visited, often instructing on proper pruning and chiding the "professionals" for failing to plant for local conditions.
She also developed great respect for BC's indigenous cultures, their harmonious relationship with nature and their struggle to survive.
Travel was Arlene's great passion, often for months at a time and many times solo, searching for the place and culture she felt most at home. Admiring art, music, history, architecture and natural beauty, she was fearless in engaging with locals and navigating her own way, preferring the road less travelled. She was also a great documentarian and photo journalist, recording family events and her travels around the world, including the Middle East, India, Africa and the Mediterranean.
Her commentaries were always witty and candid. Her attitudes and opinions were informed by observation, reading and personal interaction. When asked "What's your occupation?" she would reply "My life is my work." The world was her classroom until her last day, embraced by the ruins of Moorish castles, the sea and a way of life she so loved. Arlene opened many eyes to the wider world, and lives in the hearts of those she touched.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region or Anselma House (Womens' shelter). Both can be reached at www.canadahelps.org.