Arlene L. Brunelle

Arlene Lillian Brunelle (MacPherson) June 16, 1926 – July 21, 2020 Our Mom, Arlene Lillian Brunelle, age 94, went home to be with the Lord on July 21, 2020. She was born on June 16, 1926 and grew up in the small town of Barnstead, NH with her mother Edna (McDuffee), father Albert MacPherson and 9 brothers and sisters. She remained very close with her family in her adult years, spending weekends at the family farm where everyone would gather to spend precious time together for barbecues, conversations, and swimming in the small pond down the old country road. So very many wonderful memories filled with laughter and love. She married Robert J. Brunelle, DC and happily raised 4 daughters; Donna Berry, Leslie Brunelle, Denise Alenskis, and Renee’ Sirois and husband Jon-Pierre. She leaves five grandchildren, Ryan Berry and wife Stephanie, Nicholas Alenskis and wife Dani, Courtney Tiziani and husband Michael, Brandon Sirois, and Brittany Sirois. She also leaves one great grand-daughter Genevieve, her sister Ruthie and numerous nieces and nephews. Our mom had a zest for life and more than anything enjoyed being a mom. She was strong and resilient, teaching us love, patience and happiness from within. She continued to teach us many life lessons that we will always cherish. Mom was a quiet, sweet woman who loved the ocean. As kids, we spent many summer days at the beach with close family. Mom would round us up, pack a picnic lunch and snacks and head off to Rye beach. We would spend from early morning until the sunset enjoying the ocean with our cousins. We would often hear her singing while she was doing housework. Her song was sweet like a nightingale. Some of her favorites were Rosemary Clooney, the Andrew Sisters, and Doris Day. As a teenager she and her sisters would sing for the local radio. She made our home a happy place to be. She was a wonderful cook, baking amazing meatloaf and delicious spaghetti and meatballs. She hand-made many of our dresses and was always there for comfort if we skinned our knees or just needed a hug. When we were little children, our afternoon story-telling and nap time often became nap time for mom! As we grew into adults not only did she continue to be a devoted mom but became a friend and confidant guiding each one of us through the challenges of life. Later in life, her spirituality grew. She loved reading spiritual books that would give a calming insight to the meaning of life. We would talk for hours about the purpose of our lives and our individual paths. We hold these cherished memories so close to our hearts. Her mind was sharp. She would often share stories about growing up in the depression recalling historical events of WWII, USO dances and how families felt when JFK was assassinated, all with emotion that made you feel as though you were there. Although her family did not have a great deal of money, they had a farm with fresh vegetables and farm animals so they never went to bed hungry. There was always happy music in their home as her father played several musical instruments and was a member in a local band. So many times she would talk about the fun years she and her siblings had while growing up. When our mom moved to assisted living she met Henry (Perk) Perkins. Perk would pick her up at her room and together they would take long walks inside and outside of the home. Their relationship became very close, spending the majority of their time together. It was here toward the end of her life that she fell in love a second time. They did not like being apart. Our mom did not choose a traditional funeral or celebration of life that most of us know. This comes as no surprise as our mom was a very quiet and humble person. She taught us all so very much about the true meaning of life. We will continue to feel her presence with us always, watching over us and helping to guide us as she always has until we go home to join her. Arlene, known to many as Nana, wore sky blue beautifully and had a fascination for nature. She lived her life with curiosity, deeply rooted with her spirituality. We will miss her smile so very, very much. Remember our mom with her laughter and zest for life that would light up a room. As the saying goes, “they don’t make them like that anymore;” and even in contemporary times, it would take a remarkable woman to walk a mile in her flip flops. In lieu of flowers or donations please pay it forward with acts of kindness towards others, for these are the rules that our mom lived by.

Arlene L. Brunelle

June 16, 1926 - July 21, 2020