Arlene Ida Schlegel

Arlene was born in Rochester, NY and was raised by her father, John Henry (Jack) Schafer, after her mother died when Arlene was four years old. She attended school in Rose and Clyde, NY before making Dunedin her Florida home in 1978.

While in Rochester, she watched children in her home for over 20 years and went to work for Flanigan Furniture after she raised both of her children. After she arrived in Dunedin she worked for twenty-two years at Nielsen Media Research where she last worked as a supervisor until her retirement.

Upon her retirement, Arlene quickly began a second career as a volunteer. She volunteered for the Neighborly Care Center (Meals on Wheels) located at the Palm Lake Village Club House and served at multiple food pantries in the area. Arlene was notably the very first volunteer to work at Dunedin Cares food pantry in its infancy. Her volunteer career was cut short by the impacts of COVID. Never to be idle for long, Arlene liked to knit and crochet, and she offered her creations for many years at various craft shows and was particularly fond of her participation with the “Crafty Ladies” Craft Show.

Arlene attended several local churches in Rochester and Dunedin. In Rochester, she made communion bread for thirteen years, taught children’s Sunday School and sang in the church choir.

Survivors include two daughters: Cathy Flynn and Donna Smith (Shannon), four grandchildren: Dawn Evans (Andrew), Eric Jackson (Megan), Bobby Reichold (Shelly Christians) and Victoria Crusan (Brett): and fourteen great-grandchildren: Patience Walat, Caitlin Evans (Julius Weaver), Kendra Evans, Laynee Jackson, Pierce Jackson, Molly Jackson, Arianna Reichold, Alani Reichold, Cara Reichold, Riley Nemecek, Mckenzie Reichold, Robert Reichold, Jr., Liam Crusan and Emma Crusan

Funeral and service arrangements through Sylvan Abbey, Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL. A gathering and celebration of Arlene's life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home. A service will start at 11:00 am and a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Dunedin Cares would be an honor to Arlene’s efforts to care for others.