Arlene Ellen Gerard

Arlene Ellen Gerard

Arlene Ellen Gerard of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. She was 76.

Arlene was the devoted mother of Stefanie Gerard Cohn (Jeremy) and Adam Gerard (Lisa), beloved wife of the late David Gerard, loving sister to Joanne Ramer Sotsky, cherished grandmother of Maya Cohn and Max Gerard, and the doting aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Evelyn and Milton Ramer, but spent most of her childhood in Levittown, New York. She followed her sister Joanne to New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, where she met her husband, David.

Arlene and David called many places home including Buffalo, New York (where Stefanie was born), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (where Adam was born), Maryland, Ohio, Louisiana, and finally Central New York. After David's passing, Arlene returned to Maryland where she spent the rest of her life.

Arlene loved knitting, always making new items for family and friends, and was happy to share knitting tips with the younger generation. She even picked up a new skill of wool felting later in life, making amazing hats, as well as gloves and purses she enjoyed giving as gifts.

Arlene spent much of her career with Marriott at their headquarters in Bethesda and was always proud to stay at their hotels on her travels.

But above all, Arlene's pride and joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her two children, and truly enjoyed the journey of watching them grow up and begin lives of their own. After she retired, Arlene was delighted to spend as much time as she could with her new granddaughter, Maya, with whom she built a special bond. While her grandson, Max, was born in the last few months of her life, she loved the moments they shared.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 11AM at the Garden of Remembrance. The family will be sitting Shiva at the residence of Stephanie and Jeremy Cohn, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5pm. Shiva will resume Sunday at 4pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to BrightFocus Foundation or JSSA (Jewish Social Services Agency).