Mrs. Arlene E. Bruno

Arlene Edna Van Valkenburg Bruno, 94, passed away Aug. 24 after a brief illness. She was bornin Catskill on March 10, 1931, to Orrin and Edna Van Valkenburg. Her husband, Charles Bruno, predeceased her in 2010. She was a graduate of Oneonta State College, where she trained to be a teacher. She chose Oneonta in part because her adored big brother, Bob Van Valkenburg, was at Hartwick College in the same town. A lifelong resident of Athens, she was the mother of four – Debra (Bob Davis), Thomas (Claudia), Lorraine (Michael White), and Glenn (Diane), the grandmother of nine (Daniel, Joanna, Thomas, Gregory, Sarah, Billy, Jane, Curtis and Jackie), and the great-grandmother of nine. She delighted in talking to her family, talking about her family, and watching slideshow photos of the family. She also leaves behind many family members, including her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Joyce Bruno, as well as nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues, neighbors, and aides. For many years, she taught kindergarten at Coxsackie Elementary School, and generations of her former students would recognize her and recall her lively classrooms, with piano playing and rhythm bands. She was an avid quilter, creating baby quilts for each of her grandchildren when they were born. She was also a lifelong parishioner of First Reformed Church of Athens, where for many years she also sang in the choir. She loved playing golf, especially with the Loose Ladies league at Sunny Hill. She was also a member of the Athens Garden Club, and enjoyed regular lunch outings with the Lunch Bunch, all retired teachers. Charlie Bruno was her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. After he passed away, she found a buddy in her beloved cat, Landon, who was perpetually on her lap or by her side. She was a lifelong Yankees fan, and her family imagines that she is now watching the games with Charlie, sharing a half a sandwich and a half a light beer. Services will be held Friday, Aug. 29, at First Reformed Church of Athens. From 10 a.m. to 12 there will be a gathering for family and friends, with services at 12 noon. Donations in her name can be made to First Reformed Church, Athens. To leave condolences for the family please visit the tribute wall above.