Arlene Appelbaum

Beloved mother, gramma, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and pillar of the Saint Paul Jewish community, Arlene Marilyn Appelbaum passed away on December 24th, 2024, age 87, surrounded by her dear family and friends.
Born October 6, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Arlene had a spark for life and a special ability to connect with and befriend everyone she encountered. She was a graduate of St. Paul Central High School and the University of Minnesota School of Journalism, where she fell in love with her husband, Murray. Together, they raised three sons-Scott, Martin, and Elliot-and opened their home to foster children and exchange students. A gifted writer, Arlene could weave words into meaning, capturing the beauty and complexity of life. She served as the literary editor for Voyageur Magazine for 20 years, which presented diverse stories alongside photographs of Minnesotan people and geography. In 1980, Arlene founded her own writing & editing company, The Write Approach, and later authored the book "Start Your New Business Now!" She offered promotional and advisory work for local organizations, such as the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the St. Paul JCC & Jewish Family Service. Arlene also nurtured many young minds at St. Paul Open School, where she mentored the school newspaper and played an integral role in the school's exchange program, CEENCH, teaching English and hosting students and staff from Puebla, Mexico. She was a cherished member of the Temple of Aaron Synagogue and her generosity shone through in her volunteer work at the Jewish Community Center and Sholom Home. Nevertheless, it was Arlene's love for her family and friends that was the cornerstone of her life, a testament to her boundless capacity for love, compassion, and generosity.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Alyce Bomberg; husband, Murray Appelbaum; beloved son, Elliot Appelbaum; and brother-in-law, Bradley Appelbaum. She is survived by her sons, Scott (Kitty) Appelbaum of Broken Arrow, OK, and Martin (Izzah) Appelbaum of João Pessoa, Brazil; brother, Frank (Dinny) Bomberg; daughter-in-law, Anna Cole; son-in-law, Rick Dykes; sisters-in-law, Mary (Bob) Baller, Laura (Gordy) Robertson, Lynn Lindsoe, and Elizabeth Appelbaum; adoring granddaughter, Allyson Appelbaum; grandson, David (Erin) Jones; granddaughter, Becky Jones; great-granddaughter, Jessica Jones; great-great-granddaughters, Brianna, Jadyn, Tiana, Aliyah, Ciara, and Kamiya; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends whom she loved, loved, loved! The family is deeply appreciative of lifelong friend Christine Warren and goddaughter Lauren Carlstrom for their support during the last few months of Arlene's life.
A service will be held on Sunday, December 29th, at 11:00 AM at Temple of Aaron, 616 Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul. Shiva will follow at Temple of Aaron at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Paul JCC, Temple of Aaron, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the donor's choice. We invite you to wear turquoise or blue, Arlene's favorite colors, and join us in honoring her lifetime of love, laughter, and devotion.
We encourage everyone who knew Arlene to celebrate her life by sharing memories and uploading photos to her memorial page. It is through these shared stories and images that we can keep the spirit of Arlene alive, remembering her not only as the person she was but also as the inspiration she continues to be.