Ree Kay Arnold

Ree was predeceased by her parents Marie E. (Faudie) and Carl E. Arnold of Bradford, a brother Steven and a much loved cousin Arnold Evers. She is survived by extended family in Bradford and beyond, as well as her wife and partner of 35 years, Barbara Hemink.

Ree grew up in Bradford, PA and attended Bradford H.S. where she excelled in academics and was very involved in the music program as a trumpet player. She earned a B.S. in Physical Education from Valparaiso University, IN in 1964, a M. Ed. In Physical Education from Miami of Ohio in 1965 and an Ed.D in Motor Learning from Columbia University, NYC in 1973. Ree had a distinguished professional career spanning several decades including as a Physical Education Instructor at SUNY Buffalo and an Assistant Professor at Herbert Lehman College, NY. A highly regarded professor, she joined the Panzer School faculty at Montclair State University, NJ in 1976 until her retirement in 2001.

Dr. Arnold was a dedicated educator who possessed a passion for teaching and an unselfish desire to share her thirst for and wealth of knowledge with both students and colleagues alike. She was an excellent teacher who held her students to high standards while, at the same time, nurturing and coaxing their best efforts. Her preparation for each class was legendary. Lessons were interactive, interesting and relatable to students. Her encouragement, support, wit and warmth were always present.

Ree’s contributions to her chosen field were prolific as evidenced by the number of recognitions and awards she received during her career. She held positions on numerous university and professional committees, as well. Her commitment to her profession was extremely important to her.

Aside from her professional life there were many things that brought joy into Ree’s life. She was an avid field hockey player in her earlier years. She loved skiing at Burke Mountain and would pretend to emulate Rosi Mittermaier as she shushed down the Willoughby trail. She grudgingly took up golf at Barb’s insistence, but was plagued by worm burners. Her favorite escape was to St. Maarten where she could bask in the sun, read, swim and, of course, play Black Jack in the casino. Ree loved working with her hands and, with cousin Arnold, put a new roof on her home. She built a wood shed and built a storage barn with her Dad. She loved home projects! She had, of course, detailed plans for each project! Her home was her sanctuary.

Ree touched many lives through her involvement with her family and friends, her church family, her students and colleagues. She will be missed by many!

A “Celebration of Life” for Ree has been scheduled for April 17, 2023, 11:30am at First Lutheran Church in Clifton, NJ. If unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the church website:

www.firstlutheranclifton.com and on YouTube: First Lutheran Church of Clifton, NJ.

If you are inclined to make a donation in her memory, please consider: Online at: Diabetes.org or American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Memorial gifts may also be made in Ree's name to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund.