Arlene C. Gillespie (nee Mazur) of Cape Coral, Florida passed away peacefully on October 20, 2020 in her home after a valiant battle with COPD and cancer. Loving family was by her side. Born on August 29,
1942 in Chicago, Illinois, she also lived in Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and finally settled in Cape Coral, Florida for retirement.
She is survived by her children: Mike Litwin, Jeff (Betsy) Litwin, Tim Litwin, Annette (Brian) Hundt, Kirk Gillespie, Steve Gillespie, and Lori Gillespie; her grandchildren: Bradley, Aimee, Brian, Christopher, Kyle, Jessica, Courteney, and Trevor; her great-grandchildren: John, Claira, Kyra, Carsen, Olivia, and Kinsley; her Sister Susan (Michael) Grames, brothers-in-law Jim Gillespie and Michael Gillespie, and sister-in-law Patti Gillespie. Her Yorkie, Molly, was the apple of her eye and provided her with companionship after the passing of her husband.
She was preceded in death by husband John (2009), stepfather Orin (2013), mother Charlene (2011), and daughter Lynn (2018).
After graduation from high school she worked at Quaker Oats prior to moving to Michigan. Later, she was employed by Carson, Pirie Scott, working in the shoe department. There she met her soon-to-be husband, John. It was pretty much love at first sight for both of them. They had a blended family of eight children, each with four. She went on to work by John’s side, modeling shoes at trade shows, and created her own business selling purses and handbags under the name of AR Designs.
She and John loved their retirement in Florida and enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. She had a life full of adventures – loved to travel and to experience new things. She was fun-loving and kind, giving her soul to all who knew her, and none will forget. She was a formidable Spite & Malice (card game) player and loved to win and take your money!
The family asks that no one send flowers as to respect Arlene's wishes.
