Portland - Arlene S. Lerch, 87, passed away peacefully with family by her side after a short illness on January 16, 2012. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Simmons. She was born on January 10, 1925 in Austin, PA, the youngest of six children.
She graduated with honors from Austin High School where she was a cheerleader and drum majorette. Her education continued at Bryant and Stratton Business College in Buffalo, NY where she graduated in 1944.
In 1947 Arlene moved to Portland, ME to marry Donald Lerch. She worked full-time while selflessly dedicating herself to raising three daughters. In 1992 she retired from Unum.
Arlene was well known for her cookie baking, endless generosity, and witty sense of humor.
She was a saint to everyone who knew her and even those who didn't. Granddaughter Mary recalls one occasion while driving on Ocean Ave in Falmouth they came upon a homeless man sitting by the side of the road. Arlene insisted on stopping the car so she could give him a container of her wonderful chocolate chip cookies.
Arlene was predeceased by her sister, Mary Wehrfritz, and four brothers, Peter, Michael, Andrew, and Samuel. As a loving mother, she is survived by her three daughters, Linda Lydon, Karen Fredrickson and her husband Derek, and Nancy Larsen and her husband Paul; three grandchildren, Chiann Roveto, Mary and Christian Larsen, and two great-grandchildren, Donnie and Luke.
Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family on Friday. Internment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.
The family would like to add a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Maine Medical Center for their professional and loving care.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St Portland.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Arlene's guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
The Cleo Fund
346 Danforth St.
Portland, ME 04102
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