Arlene Wheeler

The world lost a gentle soul and a generous heart with the death Jan. 25 of Arlene Wheeler of Cambridge. She was 52; the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Arlene devoted her life and career to the care of children and animals struggling with life's challenges. Although she never got to fulfill her desire to be a mother, she was a surrogate mom to many who will never forget her. As one of them wrote in a tribute on her Facebook page, she was "one of the best mentors I could of ever asked for, someone I could always turn to and call when I needed someone."
Arlene was born Jan. 14, 1973, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Alfred and Estelle (Coderre) Wheeler. Her father was stationed there as a member of the U.S. Army. She was one of six siblings, including a twin brother Alfred, Jr. She attended Lake Region Union High School in Orleans and the Community College of Vermont. In 2008, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Johnson State College.
Arlene met her love, Corbett Sionainn, in 2008, and they married Sept. 6, 2014.
At the time of her death, Arlene was nurturing and supporting families and children through Lamoille Family Center. She previously worked for the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Cambridge Elementary School after-school program, and Laraway Youth and Family Services.
In addition to children, Arlene cherished her many "fur babies," including her cocker spaniel Mattie and cats Smugglie, Gimli, Kali, and Saco. She never forgot her previous pets and had a soft spot for rescuing feral cats.
Anyone who gives so much needs to recharge their own batteries now and then. Arlene found joy in visiting the ocean, kayaking local waterways, fishing with her dog, snapping photos of a beautiful sunset, cooking up a good comfort meal for her wife, and taming her yard on her riding lawn mower. She loved playing with her nieces and nephews and was a tomboy at heart.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, whom she looked forward to seeing again in heaven. She is survived by her wife, Corbett; twin Alfred Jr. and his wife Kim; and sisters Cammy DiMayo (Jeff), Carole Ricard (Brian), Brenda Brink (Bill), and Becky Curtis (Lyle). She also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of AW Rich Funeral Home in Fairfax. Colleagues, family, and friends are invited to a viewing Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home. A memorial service will follow. Arlene would be delighted if people would honor her memory by wearing her favorite color, green, and her favorite footwear, Crocs. Burial will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests continuing Arlene's support of needy animals by donating to Justice for Dogs, PO Box 1014, Wolcott VT 05680, www.justicefordogsvt.org; or the Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), 20 Beech St., Essex Junction VT 05452, www.gdrnenorth.org. Please designate that your memorial donation is for the care of feral cats in Cambridge.
Arlene believed in living fearlessly. If she could speak to us one more time, she might well echo this advice she wrote on her Facebook page: "Don't be afraid to be who you are in fear of what others will think. Love who you love and don't listen to the judgment of others because you will be a very lonely person forever if you do."
Arlene was never a lonely person. So many will miss her. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.