Arlene J. Smith

Arlene J. Smith, 84 of Gaylord, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 24, 2017.  She was born on July 11, 1933 to Tony and Agnes Skiba of Alpena.  Her parents brought 14 children into the world.  In May of 1952, Arlene married her husband Glenn, the love of her life.  Glenn and Arlene were married for 62 years.

Arlene was a successful business owner, operating G&A Trucking with Glenn for over 40 years.  In her early 60s, Arlene decided to buy a restaurant and operate it well into her 70s, and that business “Arlene’s Diner” continues to be a popular breakfast and lunch location for all who visit downtown Gaylord.

Arlene was the loving mother of 11 children, grandmother to 39 grandchildren, and 46 great grandchildren.  Family was always Arlene’s number one priority – and she lovingly welcomed all of them to her home.  Holidays at Grandma Smiths were a tradition like no other.  The smell of Polish sausage and ham, for a beautiful brunch at Grandmas on Christmas and Easter morning, is something her children and grandchildren will remember forever.

Arlene enjoyed having a good time as well.  She looked forward to a good game of pinochle, and always enjoyed her friends that she played bridge with.  She especially looked forward to all her grandchildren’s weddings, beaming with pride as she watched them walk down the aisle.

Arlene is survived by her children: Sherri (Larry) DeFouw, Glenn (Jane), Brian, Christine (William) Holewinski, William (Catherine), Noreen (Michael) Burzynski, Betsy, Dan (Kim), Pam (Dennis) Zaborowski, Marcella (Charles) May, and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her sisters Loretta, Helen, and Debbie, and her brothers Tony, Pete, Patrick and Richard. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, her daughter Marykay, her parents, her sister Alice, and her brothers Dan, Jerry, Albert, Tom and Charles.

The family will visit with friends from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 27th at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Mary Cathedral where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Arlene’s name to St. Mary Cathedral School or the Otsego County Commission on Aging.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com