Arlene Maureen Lano

FALMOUTH—Arlene M. Lano, 87, died peacefully on February 17, 2016, at the Barron Center (Zolov Unit) in Portland. In her final days, she was surrounded by family and friends who loved her dearly. Arlene was born on August 15, 1928, to John and Helen MacDonald Meader in Portland, Maine. She attended Portland schools and was a 1946 graduate of Deering High School. Arlene enjoyed a long career with New England Telephone Company, which included a 15 year break to raise her children, retiring with 30 years of service in 1990. She also worked seven seasons at the LL Bean Northport Call Center.

She was a beautiful woman inside and out and in 1951, was named Miss Old Orchard Beach followed by runner-up to Miss Vacationland.

Arlene married Andrew Lano in 1960 and together they raised four children on Leighton Road in West Falmouth.

She was also a member of the Women’s Literary Union of Portland and a bridge card player with her friends.

Arlene was an avid sports fan of baseball, basketball, football, and golf. She was loyal to the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. She was a strong candlepin bowler and participated in many women’s leagues in her earlier years. Arlene LOVED to dance and was light on her feet. Arlene and Andy were a magical pair to watch on the dance floor, especially to their wedding song, “Tenderly” by Sarah Vaughan.

Arlene was a great cook. She enjoyed preparing meals for herself and her family and did so right up until her illness took a turn for the worse. She was the best hostess-- as anyone would attest.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, her parents, and sisters Dorothy and Kathleen.

Surviving are brother, John C. Meader (and wife, Margaret) of Scarborough; and her four children; Andrew G. Lano II (and wife, Dina) of Flower Mound, TX; Melody A. Amell (and husband, Dennis) of Buxton; Maureen E. Lano (and partner, Jennifer McNulty) of Old Orchard Beach and John A. Lano (and wife, Beth) of Strafford, N.H.; Grandsons Jeffrey and Evan Amell, Jack and Jamie Lano; Step-Granddaughter, Theresa (Amell) Rock; and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Barron Center and all the devoted and loving care that their staff provided to Arlene during her time there.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation on Monday, February 22, 2016, from 4:00pm–7:00pm at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 10:00am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, Maine. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. Online condolences can be given to the family at: www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Arlene’s memory to the Lano Family Foundation, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that supports Portland High School student-athletes and other charities. Donations can be mailed to:

The Lano Family Foundation

P.O. Box 307

Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064

Or made online at www.thelanofamilyfoundation.org