and Madalaine Aluffo. She lived many places throughout her life, including New York,
North Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania, California, England, and most recently, Texas,
where she resided in the home of her beloved daughter and grandchildren. She died on
September 13, 2018 in Grapevine, Texas at the age of 82, surrounded by her family.
Arline’s diverse educational background spanned the fields of nursing, engineering
science, technical journalism, fine art, and graphic design. She received her nursing
license from Harlem Valley State Hospital in Wingdale, NY where she began her career
as a psychiatric nurse. She obtained an associate degree in electrical engineering from
Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA and a Bachelor of Science in technical
journalism from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. She worked as a technical writer and
delved into marketing communications for several years before founding and leading
Todd Advertising – a Silicon Valley, California agency that specialized in advertising
and sales promotion serving a variety of high-tech companies. She continued her
education at San Jose State in San Jose, CA where she earned her Master of Science in
mass communications with a concentration in creative writing.
Arline’s appreciation for literature and her passion for writing evolved into a career as a
science fiction author, during which she composed and published several short futuristic
and romance stories as well as a medical/political thriller novel. She was an active
member of the North Texas Romance Writers Association. Her abiding devotion and
unconditional love for her family is palpable in her work. The cover of her novel itself
dons the image of her beautiful daughter, who Arline described as the ‘mother par
excellence of [her] four precious grandchildren.’ Her tender heart and pervasive
generosity will continue to live on in the pages of her work and permeate the lives of
those she leaves behind.
Arline was a highly intelligent and creative woman, which was reflected through her
educational endeavors, career ambitions, and stimulating personal hobbies. To say that
she was an avid reader would be an understatement – Arline had her nose stuck in a book
since the day she could read. Her love of a good story extended well beyond the pages of
a book; Arline was also a movie enthusiast, and would watch just about anything. If it
wasn’t a movie she was watching, it was golf. In her earlier years, Arline excelled at golf,
and carried her love of the sport throughout the remainder of her life.
Arline’s creative expression was evident not only in her writing, but also in her artistic
ability. She was a highly skilled artist in a variety of media, but primarily enjoyed
painting in her spare time. Her oldest granddaughter recalls the delight that she and her
grandmother shared in sketching together over the years; Arline was always eager to
assist with art projects and never failed to deliver. She was adept at puzzles in all forms
and games of all kinds, and she never missed an opportunity to play a board game or
cards with her friends and family. However, if there was one pastime she loved more than
the rest, it was playing bingo. The happiness and excitement she felt was contagious, and
perhaps more important than the game itself. There was nothing she loved more than
sharing a joyful experience with those whom she loved.
Arline is survived by her daughter, Diane Todd, and grandchildren, Mariah Mauney,
Daniel Kaiser, Michael Kaiser, and Rachel Kaiser of Grapevine, TX; sisters, Sandi (Ed)
Miller of Santa Maria, CA, Linda Hagerty of Oceano, CA, and Susan (Michael)
Leonardo of Dunlap, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death
by her parents, Joseph and Madalaine Aluffo, and siblings, Kathleen and Joseph Aluffo.
A private memorial service will be held for the family at their home where a tree will be
planted in Arline’s honor. Her ashes will rest in the care of her daughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Altrusa
International Foundation, a service organization whose promotion of worldwide literacy
Arline outwardly acknowledged and appreciated. Donations can be made online at
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