Arlene J Shoemaker

Arlene J. (Busse) Shoemaker, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on January 20, 2021 at the age of 87 under the loving care of Seasons Hospice and her family in Dunedin, Florida. Prior to her illness, she had been residing at Mease Life (assisted living) in Dunedin, and led an active life. She moved to Mease Life in September 2018, after living in Madeira Beach, Florida since the mid-1990s.

Arlene was born on June 29, 1933 to Franklin and Mildred Busse in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1951. In 1952 she met John “Jack” Shoemaker, and they were married in April 1953, going on to have three children between 1954 and 1958. When Arlene had her first child, she decided to dedicate her life to being an incredibly loving, supportive and wonderful mother and homemaker. She supported her family while traveling extensively with Jack during his career, and was there for her children during the many passions and challenges of their lives. Arlene and Jack lived in the northern Illinois area until the mid-1990s when Jack retired and they moved full-time to Madeira Beach. Arlene was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great granddaughters, and she leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

She has devoted the nearly 20 years since Jack’s death (2001) to her family, traveling, volunteer activities and to her art, as an accomplished and prize-winning pastel artist. With camera in hand, Arlene always seemed to be on a mission to find that next great shot for another work of art. She was passionate about her art and active in the Pastel Society of Tampa Bay, the Treasure Island Art Guild, and at the Dunedin Fine Art Center where she cherished her time participating with friends in pastel art classes with her instructor, Brooke Allison.

Arlene was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jack, and her brother Ken Busse and his wife Judy. She is survived by her three children: David Shoemaker, of Vernon Hills, IL; Diane Kathrein, of Madeira Beach, FL; and Richard Shoemaker (Jane), of Buena Vista, CO. She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Colin Shoemaker (Lisa) of McHenry, IL; Austin Shoemaker, of Algonquin, IL; and Laura Kathrein of Boston, MA. Arlene was blessed to be a great grandmother to Colin and Lisa’s two daughters: Abigail and Olivia Shoemaker. She so cherished being with her grandchildren and great granddaughters. Arlene is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Bette Kupfer of Fort Myers and Susan Kelley of Palm Harbor, FL.

Arlene was laid to rest during a private family service on January 31, 2021 in a columbarium at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park in Largo, Florida, where she was reunited with Jack in eternal rest. An extraordinary, kind, thoughtful and accomplished woman, she will be sorely missed by all.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Seasons Hospice, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Mease Life Residents Association, or a charity of your choice in memory of Arlene.