Arlene was born in Passaic, NJ on June 17, 1937.
She moved to Hollywood, Florida in 1953. Upon graduation from South Broward high school, she became a Legal Secretary and thought that would become her career. However, she had the opportunity to work at Brooks Travel Bureau and then at Hollywood Title and Abstract Company as a full-charge bookkeeper. From 1957-1958 she was employed by Kearfott Engineering Company as an Industrial Secretary to the Supervisor of the Drafting and Blueprint Dept. Next, she was a part-time bookkeeper/buyer for Boulevard Fashions and Alexander’s (two stores that were owned by her parents) while she raised her three children from 1959-1969. Finally, Arlene was an Executive Administrator for the Vice-Principal, Academic Dean, and Athletic Director at Chaminade High School. In this capacity, she also purchased all student books, faculty supplies, and equipment for the athletic department.
Upon her arrival in Melbourne in 1970, she worked for four years at Montgomery Ward as an Advertising Assistant/Salesperson in support of four store managers and 34 department managers. When her children were in high school, she accepted a job as the Executive Administrator to the Principal and Dean of Students for Melbourne Central Catholic High School. She was in constant contact with both parents and students as her responsibilities included not only ensuring the office ran smoothly, but also keeping all classes covered with substitute teachers. Arlene was routinely called upon to cover classes until substitutes arrived. Later, she worked as an Executive Administrator for Vice Presidents of various disciplines at Harris Corporation for 13 years. This enabled her to keep her three children in private school up through twelfth grade.
Arlene was an animal lover and had dozens of dogs throughout the years, and although she loved all her animals, it was clear that Meggie was her favorite. In the early family years, she loved Shelties and was convinced they were the best breed of dogs to integrate into a home that had children. Later in life, she acquired Yorkies and usually fed them by hand. She was a devout Christian and follower of St. Jude. Primarily, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and affectionate grandmother and great grandmother.
Arlene was preceded by her husband of 48 years, Max Metzger. She is survived by her son Alan (Grace) Metzger of Micco; and two daughters Kimberly (James) Mooney of Melbourne and Kristin (Demos) Jones of Melbourne Beach. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Justin and Blake (Gabi) Jones, Kristen (Chad) King, AJ (Kristina) and Tommy Metzger and Bradley and Ethan Mooney. She was a proud great grandmother to six adoring great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Carole Holsombach of Melbourne.
A celebration of life will be held for Arlene on December 14th at 2 pm. at Fountainhead Funeral Home, located at 7359 Babcock St. SE Palm Bay, FL 32909 (321-727-3977). Masks are required by the funeral home.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.0