Arlene Carol Sitter

Arlene Carol Sitter (November 2, 1938 – February 14, 2026)

Arlene Carol Sitter, 87, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, February 14, 2026. A self-proclaimed tomboy and proud McDowell High grad ('56), Arlene grew up with a DIY spirit, learning from her father how to build, care for, and repurpose just about anything.

In 1956, Arlene met the love of her life, Frederick Sitter, at a house party. After a few years of dating, Arlene-never one to mince words-simply asked Fred when they were getting married. He took the hint, and they shared 64 years together after their wedding at St. Julia's in 1961.

Arlene's world revolved around her family and her backyard. Whether she was on the swing her father built or tending to her garden, she was happiest outdoors. Her children-Mark, who kept her laughing; Christopher, her fellow gardener; and Kathryn, her creative counterpart-were her pride and joy. Later, she embraced her favorite role as "Gramma," spoiling her Pittsburgh granddaughters with shopping trips, crafts, and holiday magic.

A legendary animal lover, Arlene treated her dogs-from Pepper to Rogér-like royalty, though her menagerie over the years included everything from horses to a surprise alligator. When she wasn't with family, she was "gabbing" on the phone or, in the early years, road-tripping to Cleveland with her lifelong trio: Beverly, Lorna, and Sandy.

Arlene will be remembered for her quick hands (ready to bake or craft at a moment's notice) and her signature modest shrug: "But what do I know?"

She is reunited with her son Mark and her parents. She is survived by her husband, Fred; children, Christopher and Kathryn; and granddaughters, Maya, Kyra, and Bena Bingham.

Friends may call on Thursday, February 19th from 3-7 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th St.at Greengarden Blvd. and are invited to a funeral mass on Friday, February 20th at 10 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 2801 W. 6th St. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mark E. Sitter Scholarship in Chemistry at Gannon University, 221 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA 16501 or the Humane Society of Erie, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506.