Arlene Marie Briody

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Arlene Briody on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at age 87. Her devoted husband of 66 years, Gene Briody, was by her side at the time of her passing. Their life together reflected enduring love, commitment, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Arlene was a devoted mother to her daughters, Karen, Arlene, and Margaret, and a loving grandmother to Emily, Maggie, and Liam who affectionally called her Mema. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she cherished every moment, every laugh, and every gathering they shared. Arlene’s caring nature and fun-loving spirit made everyone around her feel special. She had a gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her kindness, strength, wisdom, her sparkling personality and unconditional love touched countless lives. She was affectionally called “Bubbles” by family and friends. A well-deserved nickname.

Arlene was born on April 28, 1939, in Manhattan. Her parents Robert and Hannah O’Flynn immigrated from Ireland and raised Arlene and her five sisters in New York City. Arlene’s strong Irish roots were a large part of her life journey. Arlene attended our Lady of Lourdes grammar school and graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer High School in 1958. Arlene met her loving husband, Gene “Deanie” Briody at Rockaway Beach in New York on the “boardwalk.” Arlene genuinely enjoyed the gift of storytelling and sharing her funny stories of meeting her handsome man. Gene and Arlene married on August 13, 1960, at Sacred Heart RC Church in the Bronx. After marriage they lived in the Highbridge area of the Bronx in New York City. Arlene and Gene had their three daughters and then moved their family from the Bronx to Oak Ridge, New Jersey in 1967. Arlene and Gene were blessed to raise their three lovely daughters in Oak Ridge (Jefferson Township) surrounded by the love of wonderful and lifelong friends. After 30 years in New Jersey, Arlene and Gene retired to Surprise, Arizona where they have resided for the last 29 years.

Arlene and her family were parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church in Oak Ridge from 1967 to 1997. She was active in the Rosary Society and a Eucharistic Minister. Her husband Gene was also a Eucharistic minister and a former Trustee of the parish. Arlene and Gene were very social and enjoyed hosting “happenings” (impromptu parties) at their home in White Rock which is the area of Oak Ridge they called home. Arlene’s pride and joy was raising her daughters, and she participated in all aspects including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Girl Scouts, fun activities, and travel with her family. Arlene was a homemaker for many years and in the mid-seventies Arlene went to work for JC Penny in Dover, NJ where she worked in the accounting office for 17 years.

After retiring to Arizona, Arlene enjoyed socializing with her sisters, her nieces and nephews and actively participating with her granddaughters, Emily and Maggie attending many school, sporting events and all the parties. She also cherished the many visits from her grandson Liam from New Jersey. After Arizona friends learned Arlene’s nickname was “Bubbles” – her funny stories and appropriate nickname brought laughter to all those she encountered. Arlene also enjoyed the “sport” of shopping and the many visits to the casinos in Las Vegas and Arizona.

Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Hannah O’Flynn, and her beloved sisters, Margaret Bartlett, Kathleen Curran, Maureen Patterson, and Hannah Lynch. She is survived by her loving husband, Gene Briody; her daughters, Karen Briody-Griffin, Arlene Briody, and Margaret Briody-Knipper; her sons-in-law, Glenn Griffin and Neal Knipper; her grandchildren, Emily Griffin, Maggie Griffin, and Liam Knipper; her loving sister, Patsy McCartan, her sister-in-law Andrea Briody and many nieces and nephews.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in the love she gave us and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Her voice, her laughter, her lessons, and her love will continue to guide us every day. Arlene will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Arlene’s services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, AZ 85351. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow at Dignity Surprise Funeral Care at 16063 West Bell Road, Surprise AZ 85374.

Arlene’s final resting place will be St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church Cemetery in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. At a later date, Inurnment will take place following a mass where Arlene will rest in internal peace and in the loving arms of our Lord.

Rest peacefully, Arlene. Your love will remain with us always.