Arleen May Kinney

Arleen Kinney, 85, endured hardship often in her life. A member of America’s greatest generation, she grew up during the Great Depression. Stricken with crippling polio that weakened one leg when she was 8, she later was able to walk with the aid of a brace. She walked with a pronounced limp for the rest of her life. She never complained about this limitation.

Arleen married the love of her life, and they were together until his death in 2007. An Army wife raising three boys on a sergeant’s salary, she made certain the family never wanted for food, shelter or love. Upon Dad’s retirement after 22 years in the service, Mom took a job at Jordan Marsh in Colonial Plaza mall in men’s furnishings. She became a much-loved fixture there until she retired, once again making lifelong friends.

Then she and Dad were able to enjoy their golden years, he with his golf and she with her many friends at church. They kept up a schedule that would tire most young people, attending church services, choir practices, care group and any funeral or wedding she could attend. Her favorite stories always included her close group of friends at Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park, Fla., and trips to restaurants after church for coffee and pie.

Arleen was loved by so many, and it is easy to understand why, She would laugh, joke and make friends with every person she met, be it a waiter, plumber, sales clerk — it didn’t matter. We will miss her joviality, which seemed endless.

Arleen was predeceased by her two sisters who used to sing together as a trio in their youth. They are harmonizing again today in glory.

She will be remembered for her endless generosity, whether financially, emotionally or giving her time in the service of her Lord or her family or many friends.

Toward the end of her life, she endured caring for her beloved husband who had Alzheimer’s. This was not easy for her, as she had developed issues with post-polio and was forced to use a walker and wheelchair. Once again, she never complained.

She is survived by her three sons, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., and services will be at Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park on Saturday, March 15, at noon. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the March of Dimes foundation. Condolences may be left on Arleen Kinney’s online guest book at To view the full obituary, please log into www.dignitymemorial.com/carey-hand-cox-parker-funeral-home.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park, FL.