Arline Patten, 76, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

Arline was born in Waterbury, Conn., and attended Wilby High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Robert Patten.

Arline and Bob married in 1959 and moved to Maine, where they operated many Dairy Queens before they bought the Dairy Queen in Westbrook in 1968. They ran that Dairy Queen together, side by side, for over 30 years. Over those years, she touched the lives of hundreds of Westbrook’s youth, giving many of them their first jobs.

Upon retirement, she and Bob traveled extensively and ultimately spent their winters in North Port, Fla. Arline was married to Bob for over 52 years when he passed in 2011.

Arline was the loving mother of Robert Patten Jr. of Windham, John Patten of Dayton, David Patten of Limington, and Kelley Patten of Windham. She had six grandchildren including Kendra Laughlin of Sebago and three great-grandchildren. Arline is also survived by her sisters, Lorraine Owens and Priscilla Sheldon; and brothers, Edward O’Bar and Richard O’Bar.

Although Arline’s greatest joy was her family, she also enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends and going to the casino. She will be forever remembered by her family and friends for her loving, generous and gentle nature and the uncanny ability to make us laugh.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, July 23, from 1 to 4 p.m., with a family graveside service Monday, July 24, at 10 a.m.