Arlene will always be deep in my heart and always in my memory. She anointed everyone she met with happiness 
Michael Gellis

I had a dream last night, before I received this notice today. In the dream I had died and went to heaven.  I entered a room crowded with people, all of whom were familiar to me but had died before me. The first person who walked up to me with a smiling face was Arlene. We hugged and kissed. She then took me, arm in arm, to see all my friends and relatives. It was a glorious homecoming. Arlene is truly missed but I know we will all meet again. 
Michael Gellis. 

I knew Arlene when we were students at the University of Michigan. We were apartment mates for a year and she stood up for me in my wedding in 1969. 

I loved her so much for her gentle and caring way.  
She was an inspiration even in our youth. 
So sorry we were not in contact more.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. 

To  Arlene's Family...
     
     I just discovered this site!  
     Arlene was the girl across the street.   She was the loving classmate.  
    When I wanted to move home for a few years,  Arlene suggest I rent the house where she grew-up.   And she would visit once in a while.  She even considered moving back home,  and in her innocent way even said it would be okay for me to continue to live there as well!  Heaven knows I had love in my heart for her.  So beautiful in every way. It is so sad she is gone.  Even today, a year and a month after her passing, it's difficult to believe and to handle.  I miss  you Arlene.

I just learned of Arlene's passing.  I am so very very sorry for your loss.  I've known Arlene through the world of dog rescue since she began helping me with my own dogs back in 2005.  I most recently worked with her on a special case for Yak Yak Jack, a yellow Lab who we both understood.  Arlene was a kind soul and I'm grateful to have known her.  My heart is with you.

So saddened to hear of the passing of Arlene. She was always such a kind and loving person. I have very special memories of her. Thoughts and prayers to her family. 

She was a kind and caring person.   My condolences to the family.  Peace be with you. 

I am so grateful to have spent an evening with Arlene in November. We reminisced about our wonderful times growing up in South Haven and the Jewish community. We felt like family and were just so beautifully happy together. I can’t believe she’s not here to continue with our plans to meet again. Total love and beauty inside and out. Her memory is a blessing for all who loved her, which is everyone. Kisses dear angel. 

Dear Arlene is gone too soon.  I am glad Max and Natalia had the opportunity to get to know her and have memories of her.   She sure was a special person Diane and I am a better one for having known her.  I remember fondly the hikes that we took, she tried her best to motivate me to do more of them!! Please know that she, you and your family are in my prayers.  Love Mickey

I am saddened by the news of dear Arlene's passing. She was one of the kindest people I ever met, a gentle healer. She helped me a great deal when I was very sick many years ago, and I am forever grateful. Arlene made the world a better place. I pray her passing was peaceful.  

Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time.
I will contiue to remember Arlene for her inward beauty and hold close  all the memories from our childhood.
Peace with you.....

To Steve and Family,
It is with  a heavy heart but with fond memories and trust in G-d's mercy that I offer my condolences. Arlene was my first date (Junior High Prom at the old Elks' Club) and I was so pleased that she would attend with this somewhat shy boy from a working-class family. I also fondly remember your parents and how kind they were to me when I would stop into their store.
I believe in synchronicities: just last weekend I was looking at the website for the First Hebrew Congregation of South Haven after perusing Bea Kraus' " A Time to Remember", which I hadn't taken off my library shelf for years. Steve, I noted that you are the Treasurer of the congregation and then thought of your sister. I was fortunate to see Arlene a few years back at one of Pam Chappell's concerts and to briefly talk.
What a lovely Soul she is!
                                                                       George E. Drake, M.D.

I am so sorry for the passing of Arlene.  I  have fond memories of our talks when we were in school.  She was a very  sensitive and caring person to confide in,  and my condolences to her family.  May she rest in peace in her heavenly home.

My thoughts and prayers are with Arlene’s family.  I met Arlene when I became friends with the Clinton Street girls; Joan  Resnik and Mary Ann Tragna.  Arlene was always sweet and friendly.  She was one of my brother’s first girl friends!  She was a beautiful person and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

My heart is so sad at the loss of Arlene.  I was blessed to share a small bit of her company in our later years,  in Arizona and South Haven.  There is one word that comes to mind when I think of her:  Grace.  May she rest in love and light.

Arlene, I thought of you as one of the kindest classmates even though we weren't friends. I worked for your parents at the store  and always thought of you as kind, sweet and beautiful. The news of your passing greatly saddened me.

Many beloved memories of Arlene such a lovely caring friend. Peace and love to her brother Steve Tolen and family
Sue A Nyman Tecklenburg 

My heart aches at the news of Arlene’s death on Friday.  She was a shining example of beauty rooted in dignity and grace, flowering in compassion.  Even at a distance, I feel the loss.  As Arlene was a bearer of peace, may we follow her example.

Arlene was so gracious and warm to me. I treasure the memory of attending a Hanukkah celebration at her invitation in the 1960s. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

I am at a loss for words hearing that my old friend has passed away.   She was full of grace and such a wonderful person.   She will be missed by all.  Rest in peace old friend.  

Arlene was my “queen” back in HS, as I was blessed to be her “king”...beautiful woman inside as well as to the eye.  We lost touch over the years, but she possessed amazing grace, and sensitivity...celebrate her life, as those wonderful memories will last forever !

Arlene's passing is a heartbreaking sadness. It is so difficult to accept.  We were neighbors growing-up, and classmates.  She was loved and greatly respected by her peers. We voted her our homecoming queen because of her beauty, inside and out. She really was the queen of our class.  Gentle, soft-spoken, compassionate, loving, totally unselfish, helpful to all, and fun.  I loved her. This is so difficult. Life can't be the same for those she leaves behind. We can try to be more like her to keep her close.

Everyone who met Arlene fell in love with her. Her spirit would light up a room and make you feel better. I was fortunate to have known her for decades. We all wish to be the person she was. 
Michael Gellis

This photo is of Arlene with my husband Pete and me in Scottsdale, 2014.  Happy times.

Arlene was a truly beautiful soul.  I don't remember ever hearing her say an unkind word about someone else. She was our high school homecoming queen.  Everyone loved her. The world is a better place for her having lived in it.

OBITUARY

Arlene Harriett Tolen

April 8, 1947 – March 15, 2019

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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