Meriden, N.H. —
Arlene was born Sept. 3, 1929, in Laconia, N.H. She was the daughter of Emilienne and H. Bertram Kelley. She was married to her former husband Charles H. Thomas, of Hyannis, Mass. on Jan. 7, 1951.
Arlene spent most of her adult life on Cape Cod but moved back to N.H. 16 years ago to live with her daughter, Sandra and her son-in-law James Ouellette. In the past few years Arlene was delighted to share annual Florida vacations with her daughter, Denise, and her son-in-law Frank Whelan.
Arlene was best known for her creativity and passion for the needle arts, especially sewing and knitting, and for her generosity in sharing her handcrafts with family and friends. She was well known for her sense of humor and her love of scrabble, crossword puzzles and a glass of fine wine. Win or lose she was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots.
Arlene is survived by her daughter, Sandra Ouellette and her husband, James of Meriden, and daughter, Denise Whelan and her husband, Frank of Centerville, Mass.; her grandchildren, Rachael Ouellette and her husband, Jason Altman, C. Thomas Whelan, Cory Whelan and his wife, Lauren, and Jessica Whelan and her boyfriend, Bryan Crowley; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella Altman and Jason Altman, Jr.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the phenomenal, caring staff of the Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice and to Arlene’s very kind caregiver Monica Champney. At Arlene’s request there will be no calling hours or services. Donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to the Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice (LSRVNA) PO Box 2209, New London, NH 03257.
An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Arlene’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.