Arlene Joan (Walsh) Brandenburg

She was born on May 15, 1946 in Brooklyn. At the age of 19 she met, fell in love with, and married a United States Marine who brought her to Oneonta to begin her country life.

After moving to Oneonta, Arlene worked for Decker’s Bakery and later Astrocom. She was a cashier at P&C for 18 years.

Arlene was a woman who always made decisions around the love she had for her family. She was a stubborn Irish woman who let her family know “how it was” with no uncertainty. She was proud to be a mom, but being a Grammie to her granddaughters Brandy Lee and Maura Anne was a love like no other, until her great grandsons, Gage Douglas and Nathaniel Richard were born. Her face always lit up when she spoke of them all!!

The first time she voted in her life, after many years of urging from her daughter and granddaughters, was when she proudly registered as a Democrat and voted for President Obama.

Arlene was proud of her Catholic faith and was a member of the Rosary Society at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta. Before the COVID pandemic, she volunteered counting the Sunday collections, enjoyed each year helping with the giving tree at Christmas time with her treasured friend Beth, and cooking St. Patrick’s Day meals.

She enjoyed walking when she was able and participated in and had a sweatshirt from the first through the most recent Pit Run. A bargain shopper, she liked watching QVC.

Arlene is survived by her only child, daughter, Lisa Marie Gracey and her husband Ken; granddaughter, Brandy Lee Mills and her husband Wes and their son Nathaniel Richard; granddaughter, Maura Anne Fink and her husband Kenny and their son Gage Douglas.

She was predeceased by her great grandson, Samuel Edward Mills; her sister, Geraldine Ann Mullen; and her Godchild, Geraldine Mullen.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, May 2, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta.

A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 3, at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta.

Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Donations in Arlene’s memory are asked to be made to Holy Sews, c/o St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com for Arlene’s family.