Arlinda Belle Chen

Arlinda Belle Chen passed from this life on to their eternal home on October 17, 2017, in Frisco, Texas. Arlinda was born on September 7, 2000, in Carrollton, Texas, to their parents, Ronald Chen and Muoi (Marie) Truong. They were the youngest of four children.

Family and friends recall Arlinda as initially being shy to strangers but later outspoken and demonstrative upon familiarity. They were a playful person, always smiling and making jokes. Their mother called Arlinda her silly goose and that never changed. Arlinda was also very intelligent and never shied from an argument to defend their opinions. Yet they always had a laugh, a kind word, and a dog picture to cheer up anyone who needed it. Arlinda had plans to study Political Science in college and then go to Law School.

Arlinda attended Curtsinger Elementary School, Wester Middle School, and Centennial High School, all in Frisco, TX. As a young child, they were a Girl Scout Brownie where they loved to sell (and eat) Thin Mints. In elementary school, they enjoyed playing soccer and learning how to draw and paint, and from age 9-10, they sang in the Frisco All-City Choir. Arlinda also attended Hua Hsing Chinese School on the weekends for eight years, learning to read and write Mandarin Chinese. At Wester, they learned to play the violin, and in GT, they discovered joy in writing. As a high schooler, Arlinda served as a member of the National Honor Society, volunteering at Frisco Family Services and at local events. Most importantly, they were a member and then a captain of the Centennial Debate Team, where they found their true passion and their best friends.

Their favorite holidays were Halloween (or “spooky season”), Christmas, and Chinese New Year. Arlinda loved hanging out with their friends or staying at home to watch Netflix, wrapped in a blanket burrito. They also enjoyed playing with their friends’ dogs and feeding ducks at the neighborhood creek. Their favorite movies were Moana, Wonder Woman, and Finding Nemo. Their television choices included Steven Universe, Legend of Korra, and The Get Down. Their loved listening to punk rock, rap, and Broadway music such as Hamilton, In the Heights, and The Color Purple.

Arlinda’s legacy will live on through their parents, Marie and Ron Chen; their sisters, Amanda and Alysia; and their brother, Alex; of Frisco, TX.

Arlinda was loved while they were here with us on earth, and they will continue to be loved through time and all eternity. They will be missed by us all.

Should you or anyone you know need assistance with grief or issues you may find difficult to speak with family or friends about, please contact THE COMPASSION HELPLINE at 1-866-649-9641 for free personal and confidential phone counseling; or visit DignityMemorial.com for more information.