She was born in Keene on May 21, 1939, the daughter of Theodore and Agnes (Willette) Rhoades, one of sixteen children.
Arlene operated a daycare out of her home. She loved children and created special bonds for those she cared for. Many of them continued a friendship with her throughout their adult lives.
Fondly remembered as a loving and supportive mother, Arlene never passed judgment and loved her own children unconditionally. She was a quiet observer, but could also be the most social butterfly while in the company of others. She enjoyed dressing up for different holidays and especially loved having kids come around for Halloween. Even though she suffered from COPD, for a number of years she was an active member of the Relay for Life.
Education was important to Arlene and as a single mother who earned her high school diploma later in life, she was always encouraging her children to expand their knowledge through books. Arlene had an extremely sharp mind until the very end and enjoyed word puzzles and board games. When it came to bingo, Arlene was all business and nothing came in between her and her routine schedule of playing.
Arlene will be dearly missed by her children: Ken Meade and his wife Alice Gomes of Laconia, NH, Robin Joslyn and her husband Curry of Shapleigh, ME, and Kim May of GA; grandchildren: Justin May, Stephanie May, Eric Joslyn, and Jharrod Meade-Frazier; great-grandchild: Lukas Joslyn; twin sister: Marlene Lounder of Keene, NH; siblings: Sondra Blake and her husband Donald of Swanzey, NH, Dennis Rhoades of Keene, NH, Dean Rhoades and wife Diane of Keene, NH and Frank Rhoades of West Swanzey, NH and Beverly Harper of Alstead, NH. In addition, her good friend Norma Royce of Unity, NH who is like a sister; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
She was predeceased by multiple siblings; her son-in-law: Victor May III (Butch); and brother-in-law: Paul Lounder.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to celebrate Arlene’s life at Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Ave, Keene, NH on October 6th at 11:00AM. Per Arlene’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Arlene M. Meade’s name to the Activities Fund at Genesis Keene Center, 677 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.
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