Arlene S. Ranger

Born and raised in Fall River, the daughter of the late Arthur and Bertha (Andrew) Ranger, Arlene grew up to travel the world without losing her strong connection to her hometown.

Following her graduation from B.M.C. Durfee High School, Arlene studied at Fitchburg State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1953. She later received her Master of Education from Rhode Island College in 1969.

Arlene devoted her life to education. She was a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of students and was committed to helping them learn and grow. She began teaching at the Lincoln School in Fall River before accepting a position teaching on military bases overseas. This brought her to Japan from 1957 to 1959 and France from 1960 to 1962. Through these experiences, she kindled an enduring passion for travel and formed steadfast friendships and memories. Upon returning to the United States, she joined the Barrington Public Schools, where she was a dedicated educator for 28 years until her retirement in 1989.

Arlene was a lifelong adventurer. Over the years, she journeyed to all seven continents and visited more than 140 countries, including several that no longer exist today. The adventures that she most delighted in recalling were walking with penguins in Antarctica, soaring in a hot air balloon over the African savanna, and seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

She was a devoted communicant of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where she proudly held the distinction of being the church’s “longest living parishioner” and faithfully served as a member of the Altar Guild. A patron of the arts, she also enjoyed a night at the theater, attending countless performances in Providence, New York, and London. Arlene also found joy in life’s quieter moments, especially knitting, cross-stitching, and spending cherished time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her nephews, Robert R. Holt and his wife Mary of Swansea and Peter A. Holt of Somerset, her great niece, Kayleigh Holt, and her great nephews, Samuel Holt and his wife Brittany and Bentley Holt. She was the beloved sister of the late Mae Holt and sister-in-law of the late Roy Holt.

Her funeral service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 315 Warren Street, Fall River at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Relatives and friends are invited. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River. Burial will be private.

Donation can be made in her memory to Perkins School For The Blind, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472. https://support.perkins.org/give/183966/#!/donation/checkout