Arlene A. Devine

Arlene A. Devine (nee Arlene Monica Allison), 84, longtime resident of Chicago's Norwood Park neighborhood, passed away peacefully May 31, 2024.

Arlene graduated from Waller High School (now Lincoln Park High School) and worked for many years delivering flowers and setting up special events for Aberdeen's Florist. She later sent herself to secretarial school and embarked upon a two-decade career as a bookkeeper for Cannonball Messenger Service, while still delivering flowers. Arlene often worked seven days a week until her retirement in the early 2000's.

Arlene was an avid and talented artisan who attended quilting retreats in Door County and Santa Fe. She was skilled and handy - she stripped, painted, stained, and wallpapered the home in which she lived for 58 years. She loved theatre and popular music, particularly Carole King. Arlene always put her family first and was pragmatic, wise, and gave excellent advice.

Loving mother of James Matthew (Susan) Devine, Christopher Thomas (Beth Ann) Devine, Genna Therese (the late Edward) Soriano, and Allison Leigh (Mark) Stewart. Proud and loving grandmother of Nicole, Jeremy, Rosemary, Elizabeth, Delaney, John "Jack". She is also survived by her beloved partner of 39 years, James Starr, her brother Lawrence "Larry" Cholewin, and many dear friends.

Preceded in death by parents Robert Albert Allison and Virginia "Gina" (the late Ernest) Spicak, and brother Michael Cholewin.

The family has chosen green cremation services.

Celebration of Life for Arlene A. Devine: Saturday, July 13 at St. Monica's Beyenka Hall, 5105 N. Mont Clare Ave. in Chicago (Mont Clare and Carmen Avenues). Visitation 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Memorial Service at 12:00 PM. Luncheon immediately following the Memorial Service at the hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research/Parkinson's Disease, www.michaeljfox.org.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.