Alma R Arlos

With great sadness, the family of Alma (Rosenfield) Arlos of Cambridge, MA announces her death on October 17, 2022 at age 92. Alma was born February 15, 1930, to Maurice B. Rosenfield and Bessie (Aronstein) Rosenfield.

On June 14, 1953, Alma wed Peter G. Arlos, sharing 56 years of life in Pittsfield, MA until his death in 2008. She then relocated to Cambridge, MA spending her latter years near her family.

During her life, Alma was an astute student and achieved many academic accomplishments. She earned her B.A. in English Literature from Smith College (1952) and Ph.D. in English Literature from Harvard University (1962). Her passion for learning and literature was passed on to her children.

At the age of 52, Alma returned to school to pursue her J.D. at Albany Law School (1986), following in the legal footsteps of her father.

She practiced appellate work, worker’s compensation, and civil litigation for 25 years.

Alma also devoted a life of service to several civic and political organizations, including Pittsfield Redevelopment Authority (Chairperson, 1965-1967); Democratic State Committee (Committeewoman, 1966-1972); Pittsfield School Committee (Committeewoman, 1975-1977); Berkshire Athenaeum (Trustee, 1975-1978); and Park Commission (Member, 1983-1987).

Alongside her parents and husband, Alma was loved by her sister, Claire Rosenfield (predeceased); her children, George, Alexa, Maurice, and Dayan (predeceased); and her grandchildren, Pilar, Alexander, David, Ilan, Zoe, and Maureen; and her sisters-in-law, Antonia Arlos and Betty Bicoules (predeceased). She will be deeply missed by all.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alma’s memory may be made to the Equal Justice Initiative, 122 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL, 36104 (https://eji.org).