Arlene B. Cooper, 86

Arlene Cooper

Arlene Cooper

SEBAGO — Arlene B. Cooper, 86, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014.

Arlene was born on Oct. 22, 1927 in Sebago, the daughter of Susie E. (Stone) and Chester A. Wormhood. She was the stepdaughter of Delma J. Lord.

Arlene grew up in the town she loved, and graduated from Potter Academy in Sebago in 1944. She could always be found with a book in her hands, and boasted how as a child she had read all the children’s books in the library. She went on to earn an associate’s degree in secretarial journalism from then Westbrook College in 1946.

After raising her children, she went back to work at the former Gorham Manor as a nurse’s aide for many years and spent the last of her working years as the administrator. Arlene did not know the meaning of the word retirement. She spent her time volunteering for the Senior Meal Site in Sebago, serving and delivering Meals on Wheels and also worked many hours at the Sebago Food Pantry. She was still working at the meal site as recently as two years ago. She was at her best and most happy when she was being of service to others. Arlene loved to read and enjoyed dining out and musical theater. She loved being near water, especially Sebago Lake. She was an avid Red Sox fan since her stepfather introduced her to them as a girl. Arlene attended the Sebago Church of the Nazarene for many years.

Her reason for living, her pride and joy, and legacy was her large family. She spent her life giving to and loving them all. She suffered many losses yet continued to persevere and be an example to the rest of the family on how to conduct their lives. After the loss of two children, her survival was to become a tribute to their memory. Her influence and example to her family will continue to be spread throughout the generations.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Stephen A. Cooper; her daughter, Suzanne R. Doucette; her sister, Ruth Bachelder; and a grandson.

Arlene is survived by daughters, Sheila and Sherri Fickett; son, Arthur Cooper; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private. Arrangements by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. Condolences for the family may be left at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sebago Food Pantry, P.O. Box 395, Sebago, ME 04029.