Obituary of Arlene L Kivlehan

Arlene was born on July 20, 1945 Arlene Louise Kivlehan at Mother Cabrini Hospital in Manhattan, NY.   She was born to Francis Kivlehan and Sophie De Mayo.   She spent her childhood at Marble Hill, Bronx surrounded with family and where she maintained a paper route in her apartment building.  It was during this time Arlene was given the nickname “Cookie”.   Arlene was fortunate to have her nanna and bob bobs sharing in her care and spending endless time together.  Arlene and Sophie ventured to Connecticut in 1976 to reside with her sister Joan & Tom Cushin and niece Kerri & nephew Tommy.  She transitioned from the city life to country life and enjoyed all the friends she met throughout the years.  She even had a special bike made to suit her disability and would love to ride it.  When Tom and Joan retired, Sophie and Arlene returned to New York; but Arlene was not content.   The change did not go well for Arlene; resulting in Sophie returning to Connecticut where they resided in a retirement community in Enfield, CT.  They remained in Enfield until Sophie’s passing October 1998.  At this time, Arlene was placed in Oak Hill under the guidance of her guardian Alice Langley who treated Arlene like her own.   Alice was like a second mother to Arlene and would take Arlene on her trips delivering meals on wheels.  Alice was a true advocate for the disabled and cherished her time with Arlene until her passing.  Arlene was happy and content residing at Oak Hill and participated in their programs.  She enjoyed her time with her housemates at Oak Hill and the respective staff.  Arlene spent her Saturday’s doing laundry and was proud to let you know she did it!  She would also do some of her housemate’s laundry while watching TV in between!   Her passion was arts and crafts, coloring and doing puzzles where at times the staff would donate to nursing homes or hospitals once completed.  Arlene looked forward to her weekly chats with her brother Joe and sister Joan.  She appreciated her trips to Friendly’s with her niece Kerri and her children Samantha and Kaitlin.    She always looked forward to her time with Joe and Christine during Christmas and spending time with family.  Arlene leaves behind her most cherished friend; Daisy; her beloved cat who will continue to reside at Oak Hill with her extended family.  Arlene went home peacefully on July 15^th, 2023.   She leaves behind her brother Joseph (Christine) and sister Joan (Tom) and their respective families along with several cousins and their families.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Private service and a memorial mass will be held in the future.  Interment at Long Island National Cemetery.

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