"What an incredible woman! She is a shining example of positive spirit. I had the pleasure of knowing Arlene for 15 years and worked side by side with her for most of that time. She always had a smile on her face and a friendly greeting for everyone. She constantly amazed me with her incredible memory and surprisingly quick sense of humor. She was thoughtful and generous to a fault. We would joke around about how hard I had to struggle to get her to take a break at work. For those of us who remember the character of "Radar O'Reilly" in "M.A.S.H.", let me just say that Arlene could run circles around him. Her dedication to her job and her unmatched work ethic set a high bar for the rest of us. She handled the many challenges in her life with such amazing grace and patience. Never a complaint or moment of self-pity. Arlene ALWAYS put others first and was genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of her family and her huge number of friends. I will always remember her as one of my heroes and will be inspired by how she lived her life."
In loving memory of
Arlene Jane Slunder
March 15, 1948 - January 9, 2022
Arlene Jane Slunder, 73, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on Sunday, January 9th, 2022. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 15, 1948 she was the daughter to Joseph and Lucy Szudlo. Her early childhood was spent in Parma, Ohio with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1961 where Arlene attended Marie Heard School and graduated from West High School in 1966. She married Fred Slunder on June 6, 1971 and had two daughters, Tracy and Pamela Slunder.
She worked for Hospice of the Valley White Dove Thrift Shop in Phoenix where she truly loved the work in helping people and has developed numerous friendships.
Arlene was a devoted catholic. She attended both, St. Thomas More and Francis Xavier Catholic Churches. She enjoyed bible study, going to church and spending time with family and friends she made throughout the years. She will be remembered for her kind heart, love of people and faithfulness in friendships. She loved to make people laugh, had a quick wit and a positive attitude that people loved. She always put her own disabilities aside to help others.
Arlene is survived by her sister Joyce Karen McGlothlen of Concord, California, her daughter Tracy Slunder, Tracy's fiancé Jeff Spino and her soon to be grandchildren, Dustin, Bryttani and Cody.
Memorial donations/ in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Saint Mary's Food Bank at ATTN: Development, St. Mary's Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009 in memory of Arlene Jane Slunder.
Tributes
"Arlene lived next door to my childhood home, and remained a family friend through out the years after we both moved. Whenever I visited my parents she would make a point of coming by to visit and bring a cherry pie for one of our meals. I always enjoyed her company and my children have enjoyed talking with her during our annual Thanksgiving week visits. I will remember her kindness and miss her greatly. I know much she loved and appreciated Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Beth (Kugler) Johnson"
"It was a blessing to have worked with and known Arlene. The world has certainly lost a real angel. Pam Hickey"
"Arlene was ALWAYS a bright light at the White Dove. From the moment customers entered the store, her smile, outstanding customer service, knowledge, and delightful and positive attitude prevailed. In all of the many years that we have known Arlene, she dealt with her physical discomfort with amazing grace and fortitude. She will be so very missed by all who worked with, were assisted by, and were fortunate enough to enjoy her friendship...she never forgot a face, a family member's name, or how to make everyone feel special. Arlene will remain in the hearts and memories of very many of us."