Born in Moncton, she moved to Halifax with her family at a young age and grew up in Fairview, attending Halifax West High School. She married a navy man and, after spending a couple of years at CFB Bermuda in the early 70's, she was tragically widowed at 28 years old.
She moved to Marilyn Drive in Dartmouth with her young son where she would spend the next fifty years She became known as one of the Marilyn Drive Moms over the years. A group of women who collectively and fiercely looked after their kids and many others over the years. Marilyn Drive was always known as a safe place for kids where some people were known to just drop their kids off there to play because they were confident they'd be well looked after. Arlene formed many deep and lasting friendships with neighbors that lasted her entire life.
Arlene worked for the federal government for almost thirty years, with her final role being a collections officer for Canada Revenue Agency. But rest assured, she was one of the good ones. She even received letters of thanks from members of the public over the years for helping them through difficult times. You would have been very happy if she was the one who called you. She didn't believe in kicking people when they were down. She retired from the civil service almost twenty years ago and maintained lasting friendships with a great number of her co-workers.
No one (including herself) would ever say she was the best cook. But oh my goodness - what an extremely talented and prolific craftsperson! Her many talents included sewing, knitting, crocheting, ceramics, stained glass, jewelry making, quilting - let's be honest, there really wasn't anything she could not create with her hands. She used those talents for the benefit of the community her entire life. Not only did friends and family receive thousands of sweaters, mittens, scarves and hats over the years, she made hats for preemies, socks for the homeless and provided countless raffle items over the years helping raise tens of thousands of dollars for local charities. Remember those illuminated ceramic Christmas trees from the 70's and 80's that have become popular again? She made dozens of those for fundraisers. She was once even commissioned to crochet a wedding dress out of silk yarn. This was the style then and it was far more beautiful and intricate than you are imagining.
Arlene was also a huge animal lover, having rescued and cared for many cats and dogs over the years. Her beloved dog J.J. Is now in the care of Michael and Philip, living his best life in Lunenburg.
Arlene spent the last eight months in assisted living at Northwood Manor where she lit up her floor with her laugh and kindness. She quickly became a much-loved member of that community - both by residents and staff. Even though she wasn't a drinker, she loved to attend the weekly pub nights, listen to music, chit chat with new friends and watch people dance.
Arlene was beloved by so many people. Despite having more than her fair share of hard times, she never failed to take those who were hurting under her wing and provide the most sincere and warm comfort. She was a devoted mother to her son and a deputy mother to countless others. She loved talking to people, had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to laugh. She will be dearly missed by hundreds of friends and especially her family.
She is survived by son Michael (Philip Aulenbach), niece Tracey (Kim Wagner), grand-niece Cailean, beloved cousins Paulette, Diana and Bernice and their families in Moncton, sister in-law Pearl Kielly (Joe), several nieces and nephews in Newfoundland and her cherished best friend, Emily Rehberg of Dartmouth. Arlene is predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Anna Wood (Legere); husband, Al "Freddie" Best and sister, Carolyn Best.
There will be no service or visitation at this time. A celebration of life will be planned for later in the summer in the Dartmouth area.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dartmouth General Hospital Fund in her name. If you aren't able to make a donation, then please consider sharing a fond memory or two here on this page.
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