Obituary for Arlene Theresa Shurman
Arlene Theresa Shurman, Born in NYC on July 29, 1926 to William and Theresa (Porbyonski) Zachar, Arlene passed from COVID-19 on January 24, 2021 at Heritage Green in Greenhurst, NY. Arlene graduated from George Washington High School in NYC and was proud of being a member of The American Legion Bugle, Fife and Drum Corps. She was employed as an executive secretary for the J.C. Penney Company headquarters in New York City until her retirement. During this time she and her husband, Edward, greatly enjoyed touring a variety of European and Scandinavian countries. After retirement, Arlene remained employed part-time for many years at Lawrence Junior High School (NY) until her relocation to Fredonia, NY to be near her family.
Arlene moved to Fredonia in 2000 and enjoyed her home which she maintained herself. Very artistic in painting and drawing from a young age, she never failed to impress with her talents, and many a delighted youngster received a hand painted wooden cigar box while the adults might marvel at her framed pressed flower bouquets. Arlene was an accomplished cook and took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals and entertaining her family and friends. She loved late night phone conversations, writing letters to friends with a fine artist’s penchant for flowing cursive. Reading biographies, cookbooks and working on news puzzles to “stay sharp” were part of her daily routine. Occasional fun-filled trips to the casino were relished. She will be remembered for her warmth, great sense of humor and playful personality and we will greatly miss her comical antics and expressions. A dedicated advocate for all animals, Arlene strongly supported their humane treatment, a concern she passed on to all in her family. Because of this passion she took great pleasure in the activities of a variety of birds and other wildlife passing through her yard and the vineyards beyond. Arlene delighted in beautiful sunsets and sunrises which she often photographed from her deck.
A spiritual person, Arlene had a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, “The Little Flower of Jesus”.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Zachar; her husband Edward in 1998, and an infant son.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Gail, loving son-in-law Peter, and her cherished grandchildren: Peter E. Clark, William Clark and Valerie Clark. Also survived by her great-grandchildren: Shelby Rose Clark, Liam Flynn Clark and Maya Grace Clark.
Arlene had so much love for her nieces and nephews: Glenn (Patricia) Zachar, Erik Zachar and Laura (Matthew) Miller, all of their children, and their mother Carol Zachar-Gibbs. Also nephew William Benecke and cousin Ruth Cardace and their families. We acknowledge with sadness Arlene’s passing but take comfort in knowing this time of sorrow will be replaced by her legacy of kindness, loyalty and love. We trust that in time our tears will be replaced by smiles and laughter at the memories of shared adventures with Arlene’s family and friends.
Those who knew and loved her will find solace in joyful reminiscences and she will forever remain in the hearts of the many generations of her family.
A Celebration of Life for Arlene will be announced at a future date. If desired, memorials may be sent to Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Larson-Timko Funeral Home.
Arlene moved to Fredonia in 2000 and enjoyed her home which she maintained herself. Very artistic in painting and drawing from a young age, she never failed to impress with her talents, and many a delighted youngster received a hand painted wooden cigar box while the adults might marvel at her framed pressed flower bouquets. Arlene was an accomplished cook and took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals and entertaining her family and friends. She loved late night phone conversations, writing letters to friends with a fine artist’s penchant for flowing cursive. Reading biographies, cookbooks and working on news puzzles to “stay sharp” were part of her daily routine. Occasional fun-filled trips to the casino were relished. She will be remembered for her warmth, great sense of humor and playful personality and we will greatly miss her comical antics and expressions. A dedicated advocate for all animals, Arlene strongly supported their humane treatment, a concern she passed on to all in her family. Because of this passion she took great pleasure in the activities of a variety of birds and other wildlife passing through her yard and the vineyards beyond. Arlene delighted in beautiful sunsets and sunrises which she often photographed from her deck.
A spiritual person, Arlene had a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, “The Little Flower of Jesus”.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Zachar; her husband Edward in 1998, and an infant son.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Gail, loving son-in-law Peter, and her cherished grandchildren: Peter E. Clark, William Clark and Valerie Clark. Also survived by her great-grandchildren: Shelby Rose Clark, Liam Flynn Clark and Maya Grace Clark.
Arlene had so much love for her nieces and nephews: Glenn (Patricia) Zachar, Erik Zachar and Laura (Matthew) Miller, all of their children, and their mother Carol Zachar-Gibbs. Also nephew William Benecke and cousin Ruth Cardace and their families. We acknowledge with sadness Arlene’s passing but take comfort in knowing this time of sorrow will be replaced by her legacy of kindness, loyalty and love. We trust that in time our tears will be replaced by smiles and laughter at the memories of shared adventures with Arlene’s family and friends.
Those who knew and loved her will find solace in joyful reminiscences and she will forever remain in the hearts of the many generations of her family.
A Celebration of Life for Arlene will be announced at a future date. If desired, memorials may be sent to Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Larson-Timko Funeral Home.