Arlene LePon

Johnston

"When it is time for me to go, I feel sure that with my last breath, I will walk down the road and all those who have passed before me will meet me at the bridge and we will walk together back over to "The Place at the Lake."

Arlene Louise LePon, 89, left her earthly body on November 15, 2014 and returned to her version of heaven, "The Place at the Lake," the childhood home of her most cherished memories, which was located in the Sebago Lake/Standish area of Maine.

A memorial service celebrating Arlene's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, Iowa where the family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service.

Arlene was born on July 24, 1925 in Portland, Maine to Benjamin and Pearla Crowley. In 1942, she was named valedictorian of Standish High School and then went on to graduate from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass.

Arlene met the love of her life, Walter (Wally) Joseph LePon, in 1945 while attending the V-J celebration at Old Orchard Beach, Maine and they were united in marriage on June 15, 1946. They were blessed with three children, Linda, Waleigh and Darlene. After Wally's death in 1957, Arlene moved her three young children to Hollywood, Florida. She raised her children alone, with the help of some very special people, namely her parents, Ben and Pearl, and babysitter turned friend, Carole Shine of Dedham, Mass.

In 1973 Arlene moved to Ames, Iowa while Darlene and Waleigh attended Iowa State University. Five years later she returned to Florida. Sarasota was her "paradise" for the next 27 years, where she purchased a home while working as an editor for A.C. Nielsen. After her retirement in 1992, Arlene then became involved with volunteering at the Ringling Museum of Art, the University of South Florida Senior Academy, and the Sarasota Public Library.

Iowa once again became her home when she moved to Des Moines in 2006 to be closer to family. Arlene loved exploring Iowa, taking country drives to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, visiting small towns, and stopping at any local winery. She also had a passion for writing and left a legacy of stories about her childhood and her journey through life.

Arlene is survived by her children Darlene LePon (Shari Addy) of Des Moines, Waleigh LePon of Vancouver, Washington, and Linda Kane of Bristol, Connecticut; six grandchildren, Lindsay, Leigh, LesPaul (Andrea), David, Stephen, Jennifer (Jay) and five great grandchildren, Patrick, Aiden, Addison, Shay and Brylee.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wally LePon, parents Ben and Pearl Crowley, brother Willard Crowley, granddaughter Heather Kane, her many poodles, and her beautiful cat Crystal.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Martina Place Assisted Living and Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa for the care they provided.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Nov. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Arlene LePon

4 Entries

Andrea Benedick (LePon)

November 20, 2014

With a mixture of emotions stirring in the souls of Arlene's family and friends, we are gathering here in the final location of her rich and full life journey (one of a long list of amazing places she lived and traveled). We are lovingly reflecting on her beautiful spirit that radiated from her upon all who knew her. She loved her family with a deep passion that sparkled in her bright eyes as she often spoke of her soulmate, husband and father of her cherished children, the late 'Wally', as she so lovingly called him. Her ladder moments, I am told, she spoke aloud that she was ready to join the love of her life at the 'place at the lake'; her earthly vision of her soul's 'heaven'. We are all finding comfort in knowing her soul is in a peaceful and restful place that was her goal for her soul's final destination.

I am honored to call Arlene my son's Great Grandmother, my friend, and a literary inspiration. I am grateful I was able to get to know LesPaul's grandmother and see some of her passionate and gracious attributes in him. We will always cherish the joyful memories we have had with her!

We will miss you and love you always, Grandma Arlene!

Linda (LePon) Kane

November 20, 2014

Mom - you are in paradise now - but I will always cherish our time in My Paradise in Florida - with you. Love you, your daughter Linda

Darlene LePon

November 20, 2014

I love my mom so much. I will miss our daily chats and our Saturday romps together - but I know she is happy to be united with her family and my Dad. Love you Mom - see you at the Place at the Lake - love Dar xxoo

The Place at the Lake, 1934

Shari Addy

November 20, 2014

Your words are finally in print! I hope "The Place at the Lake" is just as you remembered it! I will miss you. . .Love ya, your "adopted daughter" Shari.