Arlene Faye Franchini

Arlene Faye Franchini, 77, passed away on March 29, 2026, in New City, NY.

Arlene was born in a small wooden hospital in Canastota, NY, and grew up on a rural farm in Madison County. Arlene went to elementary school at the Peterboro schoolhouse and later graduated from high school in Morrisville in 1967. She went on to travel the world working in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia as a graphic artist in publishing.

There were endless adventures growing up on her parents’, Art and Olive’s, farm — Shady Knoll. With her older brother Hank, she swung from the rafters in the barn and camped at ‘Baldy Rock’ up on the hill. Together, they rode a bicycle down Cody Road (without brakes). After dinner, they would often shoot the bow and arrow with her dad. Upstate, Arlene was also always surrounded by family. She had 50 first cousins and relished picnics and gatherings. This would influence her return years later.

Although she loved Upstate New York, Arlene left after high school to pursue graphic design in Long Island at Farmingdale State College. After graduating, she worked in graphic art for financial companies in New York City while she lived in Queens.

She eventually married, had children and settled in Glen Rock, NJ, where she lived for thirty years. She volunteered at her sons’ pre-school and as an artist-in-the-classroom while they were in elementary school. Throughout, she was always crafting and making art. She painted with acrylics, constructed wreaths from vines, made (and sold) Christmas ornaments, refinished furniture, and sewed clothing and costumes. She involved her kids into these projects and taught them. She returned to her career in graphic art and later interior design.

Besides traveling for work, Arlene loved to visit Jane and Martha outside of New Orleans in Mississippi. She brought home Creole and Cajun recipes that she added to her range of incredible home cooking. She was able to make just about anything and it was always amazing.

When Arlene retired, she was pulled back to her family in Upstate New York. She briefly lived in Cazenoia, but settled in Chittenango where she spent the last 20 years. She cared for her mother, Olive, in her home for the last few years of her life. Her house was filled with her creative projects. She loved the look of an English garden, so she made her own. She bonded with her neighbor over their love of flowers, plants, and trees.

Arlene was always creating interesting works of art. Her kids, and eventually grandkids, were drawn in. Making a mess was expected. Sharp tools in small hands were encouraged. She would paint, sew, sculpt, woodwork and craft, often using natural materials, into amazing things that lived in her imagination. She saved curious objects that often became something unexpected.

As a grandma, Arlene never lost that spirit of adventure from her childhood. She would take her grandkids for wild rides on her John Deere Gator. They might be the ones driving, come back covered in berries, or both. She always had them constructing models, working in the kitchen or going out to the garden to eat vegetables right off the vine. After dinner, family archery, golf or Wiffle Ball was also common.

Arlene is survived by her son Aaron and his wife Dana, her son Evan and his wife Patty, and four grandchildren; Anthony, Emmet, Olivia and Patricia.

Later this spring, a private ceremony will be held in a place she chose.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, in particular the Hope Lodge in Rochester, in Arlene’s memory.