Obituary of Arlene Helen Ehlinger

LITTLE FALLS - Arlene Helen Hooks Ehlinger, 96, a longtime resident of Little Falls, NY, most recently of Cohoes, NY, died peacefully on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Eddy Village Green.  Born and raised in Little Falls, Arlene moved to the Capital District in 2015.  Arlene was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph D. Ehlinger; parents, Harry and Helen Hooks; stepmother, Edna Stanton Hooks; brothers, Gene (and wife Cathy), John (and wife Frances), and Leo; several in-laws and many friends.

Arlene was happily married to Joe for over 67 years. He predeceased her in 2014.  They enjoyed many summers together at their camp on Pine Lake, traveling with friends and family in retirement and weekly get-togethers with their friends in the Breakfast Club.  We’re sure Joe has saved a special place for her with him in heaven.

Arlene was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was proud of all of her family’s accomplishments.  She will be greatly missed by her nine children, Jim (Carole), Colts Neck, NJ, Marc (Marie), Schuylerville, Elaine, Niskayuna, Bob, Little Falls, John (Patty), Little Falls, Joan, Schenectady, David, Guilderland, Joe (Karen), Latham and Mary (Mark) Wexler, Brentwood, CA; her 15 grandchildren, Catherine, James (Regina), Lucas, Adam, Denny (Katie), Chris (Anna), Matt (Tracy), Maria, Andrew, Ryan and Scott Ehlinger, Christine (Dan) McDonough,  Jessica (Corwin) Ravenstar, Danielle (Rob) Flandreau and Jeffrey Wexler; and 10 great-grandchildren, Allison, Megan and Kate McDonough, Maitreya and Alahna Ravenstar, Penelope and Audrey Flandreau, Wesley, Chase and Olivia Ehlinger.

Arlene graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Little Falls, NY and the Excelsior School of Business, Utica, NY.  She was a stenographer and legal secretary until her children were born and later returned to work at the Holland Insurance Agency.  Arlene was a longtime member of the Holy Family Parish.  Family and her faith were the cornerstone of her life. One of her greatest gifts to her family was the deep and selfless love and support she provided on a daily basis.  Mom’s kitchen was always open to provide a good meal after sports practice, help with homework, play cards or board games, or simply talk about your day.  Arlene was a true inspiration to everyone she encountered – resilient, sweet, smart, determined, and she had a wonderful sense of humor.  She epitomized “class”, never complained and always looked for the good in others.  She was an excellent cook, made the world’s best applesauce and was always open to new things. She had one of the first microwaves, to augment her many pressure cookers, and learned how to use a computer when in her 70s.  She was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and excelled at daily computer brain games.  Some of her favorite activities included walking, biking, gardening, playing scrabble, bingo, and cards.  She became quite the card shark in her 90s, and relished in winning at the game of “7”. 

She is also survived by her sister, Ann Foltin; and in-laws, Sophia Hooks, Peter and Carmen Ehlinger, Paul and Chris Ehlinger, Roberta and Dick Wagner, Lucy Ehlinger; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eddy Village Green, House 3, for the excellent care they provided to Arlene over the last year and a half. 

At Arlene’s request, there are no viewing hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Holy Family Parish, corner of East Main & John Streets, Little Falls, with Rev. Terence Healy, Pastor, officiating.  Interment of cremains will occur at Church Street Cemetery, Little Falls. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Arlene in a special way are asked to consider donations to the Holy Family Parish. 

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the service at the Travelodge by Wyndham, 20 Albany Street, Little Falls. 

Funeral arrangements have been planned with the Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, Kevin E. and Harry J. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors and an on-line memorial page has been established at www.eneafamily.com.