Arlene Joan (Smith) Grugle

Arlene Grugle, of Southbury, CT, passed away peacefully on 12/29 surrounded by her family.  Arlene is survived by her husband of 63 years, John (Jack), her daughter, Kathryn Wolf and husband Scott, her daughter in law, Kim Grugle, three granddaughters, Elizabeth Wolf, Carolyn Wolf, Alison Grugle, one grandson, Peter Grugle and wife Lauren, and one great-grandson, Graham Grugle, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predececeased by her beloved son who she missed greatly, Robert (Bob) Grugle, her parents, Edith and Milton Smith, and her sister, Helen Strunk.

 Arlene grew up in South Euclid, Ohio, and after graduating from Brush High School, became a legal secretary to a prestigious law firm in Cleveland, Ohio.  She and Jack married in 1954, and Arlene became a war bride living where Jack was stationed at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Manitou Springs, CO.   Following the army, Arlene and Jack moved back to the Cleveland area where Arlene became a private secretary, and they started their family. 

While living in Lyndhurst, OH Arlene became very involved with many giving organizations.   She was her church schools superintendent and Sunday school teacher for many years, and served as a member of the local YWCA board of directors. 

Arlene and Jack retired to Spofford, NH where she was a member of the Cheshire Historical Society for many years.  She enjoyed planning events, and especially enjoyed organizing the very successful “Chocolate Tasting Marathon” fundraiser, where people donated their favorite chocolate dessert and voted on their favorites.  She belonged to the Keene “Old Homestead Garden Club” and during her 12 years of membership served on many committees.  She was one of the original members who developed “The Ashuelat River Park.”   Originally a tire dump, after many hours of planning, loving care, and development, this area was turned into a beautiful arboretum winning a national beautification award.  Arlene was also a member of the Cheshire Quilting Group making lap quilts for shut- ins, as well as crocheting and knitting prayer shawls for her church.

Arlene was a beautiful painter and artist, and especially enjoyed making crafts.   She was very proud of the holiday aprons she sewed for 40 of her friends.

Arlene will be remembered best for her love of family and friends, which she treasured dearly.  She thanks God for the beautiful gift of life that she enjoyed so much.   It would make her very happy if you could please remember her as your friend.

Calling hours are at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. N., Southbury, CT Tuesday,  Jan. 2nd from 4pm-6pm, and her Funeral Service will be held at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill rd., Sandy Hook, CT Wednesday Jan. 3rd at 10am. Burial will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Ct. 

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