Age 97
Sister Arlene possessed a deep spirituality and enduring commitment to the mission of Mercy manifested in her six decades of ministry in education and liturgy.
Love and loss shaped her early life. At the age of 14, she and her five siblings became orphans. When both of her parents died of heart disease within six weeks of each other, an aunt adopted Arlene and her younger sister LuAnn, and her four brothers were placed in an orphanage.
Despite these early hardships, Arlene felt a strong call to religious life. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 18. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercy College in Detroit in Michigan, a master’s degree in psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and an advanced degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
She began her service as a teacher for 14 years in Catholic schools throughout Michigan. She became a professor at Mercy College of Detroit, where she particularly enjoyed working with adult learners, helping them grow in faith and understanding.
For nine years, she served as director of the worship staff for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan, and for ten years as the liturgical director for the diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. In these roles, she supported parishes in navigating the evolving landscape of Catholic liturgy.