Arlene "Lee" Jean Goedel

She was born on January 2, 1947 in Yonkers, the daughter of Victor Joseph and Gloria (DeYorio) Arena.

Born in Yonkers and Raised in Andes, NY, Lee always loved the country. Her beautiful smile was contagious. She believed in autonomy and dignity and a person’s right to choose the life they want. Lee always provided comfort and solace while asking very little in return. She loved her entire family despite any differences or dysfunction. She worried about them, rooted for them, forgave them and never stopped loving any of them. She wanted forgiveness for her mistakes as well and owned them.

Lee worked as an elementary aid when her children were small. She also volunteered her time with the Boy Scouts of American and many will always remember her as a den mother. Following many years of secretarial service for insurance companies, Lee worked as an administrative assistant for the Delaware County ARC prior to retirement.

She was an animal lover and never healed from the loss of her pups Tori and Kelly. All of her and Pops fur babies will be waiting for her at the rainbow bridge with Kataka and Katie leading the way.

Her granddaughter Samira loved to sit and bird watch with her Nonna on the back deck. Lee was a music lover of all things Elvis and loved to dance. Her dancing will always carry on through her granddaughter. Lee loved to watch her dance and would light up and her pain would be relieved even if only for that moment. Her love for her grandchildren was like no other. She spoke about them often and was proud of each and every one of them.

On August 21, 2005, Lee was married to her high school sweetheart Henry “Hank” Goedel. To her husband, she leaves her undying love, unfathomable gratitude for always being by her side with constant comfort through years of unimaginable pain. Hank was her everything. Her constant. Her soulmate.

In addition to her husband Hank, Lee is survived by her children, David and Amy Ross of Castle Rock Colorado, Lisa and Don Secor of Pine Bush, NY, J.R. and Brenda Hurlburt of Otego NY, Vicki Hurlburt and Leon Faulkner of Otego NY; her loving step-daughter, Darlene and her husband David Mergendahl of Ravena, NY; grandchildren, Rachel, Domino, Robin, Kenny, Casey, Tyler, Troy, Nate, Samira, Megan, Bailey, Austin, Jenna and Jonathan; great grandchildren, Carson and McKenzie; step-children, Janet Ross of Davenport, NY, Linda Kay Ballentine of Ohio, Randall Goedel of Texas, Richard Miller of Florida; and step-grandchildren, Ben, Aaron, Sarah, Noah, Michael, Alexis, Cheyenne, Kenton and Alexandria.

Suanne says, “You are dancing with the angels now," and to save her a front row seat!

A graveside service will be held for family and friends on Thursday, October 12th at 2pm in the Otego Evergreen Cemetery, Route 7, Main Street, Otego.

A celebration of life will follow from 3-7 pm at the Sixth Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions can be made to Catskill Area Hospice and the Otego Fire Department.

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bookhoutfh.com for the Goedel family.