Arlene O’Leary of Warwick passed away on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 57 years old.
Born in Glen Cove on Jan. 7, 1963, Arlene was the daughter of William and Grace (Sherwood) O’Leary.
After graduating from Oyster Bay High School, Arlene earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar and Master’s in social work from Harvard.
For more than 30 years Arlene worked as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities at Lifespire Foundation in New York.
A wise and generous friend to many, Arlene was devoted to her beloved daughters and to her entire family. Arlene’s passions included gardening and the natural world, baking, the seashore of Maine, as well as the works of John Updike, Monty Python and Joni Mitchell.
Arlene is survived by daughters Meredith Cottle and Caroline Cottle of Warwick; mother Grace of East Norwich; brother William O’Leary and his wife Julie Kuehndorf of Laurel Hollow; brother Michael O’Leary of Mathias, West Virginia; several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a memorial service will be held in the spring when everyone can safely and comfortably gather outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lifespire.org.
Arlene touched so many lives with her tremendous spirit and love for life. She will remain forever in our hearts.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. To send a condolence, visit www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.