Arlene Page

Arlene Charlotte Page, aged 87, passed away peacefully on August 22nd at her home in Severn, Maryland, with family by her side. Born on Stoney Creek in Pasadena, Maryland, Arlene lived her life within 10 miles of the water she loved. She often told the story of how, at just 5 years old, she waded through the seagrass searching for peeler crabs to sell to the local tavern. Perhaps it was in those early years that she began developing her magnetic personality and her lifelong passion for meeting people and making friends. Arlene graduated from Glen Burnie High School and later attended Anne Arundel Community College. Her first job was as a teacher's aide at Sunset Elementary School in Pasadena. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles Lenderking, and together they raised three children: Charles, Kimberely, and Kevin. Early in their marriage, they purchased a vacation home in Ocean City, Maryland, where summers were spent outdoors on the water and fishing offshore. Among her proudest catches were a 6-foot wahoo and a 61-pound white marlin. Back home in Pasadena, she took up archery and went on to earn the title of Maryland State Archery Champion. After her first marriage ended, Arlene attended a Parents Without Partners meeting where she met the love of her life, Theodore "Ted" Page. The two would spend the rest of her life together. In 1993, Arlene accepted a position at the American Embassy in London. During her three years there, she volunteered at a Church of England parish near Hyde Park, where she quickly became a beloved member of the congregation. She also enjoyed London's pub life, making lasting friendships with a lively group who gathered around a pub piano player and stayed connected long after her return to the States. Her London years were filled with remarkable experiences: a private conversation with General Colin Powell during one of his embassy visits, meeting The Queen Mother at Ascot, and attending a reception at St. Paul's Cathedral where she met the Archbishop of Canterbury. During the time of Princess Diana's divorce, Arlene even sent a note of support to the Princess and received a kind reply in return. Arlene loved to travel, crossing the English Channel by ferry, hovercraft, and through the newly completed Chunnel. She journeyed through Europe and rarely missed a West End play, her favorite being Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. She loved the show so much that at her farewell party in London, she was presented with a signed London Underground poster of the production, a treasured memento. After returning to Maryland, Arlene retired from the NSA and relocated to Bishopville, near Ocean City. She earned her real estate license and worked for a local agency before devoting herself to volunteerism. She became the first executive director of Worcester County's Habitat for Humanity, served as president of the Worcester County Democratic Women's Club, president of the local NARFE chapter, and even made an unsuccessful run for county commissioner. She was also a member of the property tax appeals board and an active member at the Community Curch at Ocean Pines, where she eventually became the congregation's first certified lay minister. In recognition of her significant community contributions, Glen Burnie High School selected Arlene as one of the first eight graduates inducted into its new Alumni Wall of Honor. After 26 years in Bishopville, Arlene and Ted returned to Severn to be closer to family during her battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Arlene was the daughter of Frederick and Margaret Cogswell and was predeceased by her siblings: George, Buddy, Marie, and Louise. She is survived by her devoted husband, Theodore "Ted" Page; her children: Charles Lenderking (wife Maria), Kimberely Henthorn (husband Earl), Kevin Lenderking (wife Amy); stepchildren: Robert Page (wife Susan), Mark Page (wife Brenda), Lawrence Page (wife Kimberly), and Lisa Schafer (husband Michael). She also leaves behind grandchildren: Charles Adam Lenderking, April Smith, Earl Henthorn III, and Allison Altizer; and great-grandchildren: Owen and Tyler Smith, Elizabeth Lenderking, and Levi Altizer. A visitation will take place on Thursday, August 28th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Stallings Funeral Home, 3111 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 where a service will begin at 12 pm. Burial will take place immediately following funeral services at Glen Haven Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life to follow at the Community Church at Ocean Pines at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake by clicking HERE.