Arlene P. Bly

Arlene P. Bly, 94, passed away November 30, 2021 at home with her daughter and son-in-law in Larksville.

Born October 31, 1927 in Wilkes-Barre she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Julia (Zugarek) Lucarino. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joseph A. Bly.

Arlene was the last of eleven siblings and was the sister of the late Alfred, Lawrence (Betty), Harold (Laura), Arthur (Renee), and Chester Lucarino, Anna Klinefelter, Marie (Jack) Gibbon, Florence (Michael) Bly, Delores (John) Mosko, and Shirley (Walter) Savage. She was also preceded in death by her daughters-in-law, Cathy Bly and Irene Bly, and her son-in-law, David Jones.

Arlene attended G.A.R Memorial High School and was a lifelong, devout member of the Church of Saint Patrick. She worked at various positions within the garment industry for many years and was last employed at Boscov's department store before her retirement.

Arlene was an excellent seamstress and made countless Halloween costumes, clothes, and household items for her family. She loved going to bingo, Atlantic City, and the local casino with her sisters, nieces, and daughters. She also enjoyed taking yearly trips to visit her brother and his family in Massachusetts with her favorite travel companion and sister-in-law, Betty.

Arlene was devoted to her family and loved holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations and the Bly family reunions. Her home was always open to her children's friends and countless nieces and nephews who referred to her as their second mother and favorite aunt. "Halloween" Grandma always had the best hugs, and she never let anyone, including God's creatures, go hungry!

Her grandchildren all have fond memories of spending weekend evenings huddled under the covers with their Gram, watching scary movies, and drinking hot tea with her special cookies. Her son-in-law, John, always made her laugh with his constant jokes and silly stories. She was his biggest fan.

Arlene is survived by her children Patricia (John) Butchko, Joseph Bly, Malachi Bly (Francine), Karen Jones (Mark Grove), Kenneth Bly, and Kevin (Linda) Bly.

She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Amy, Jocelyn, John Paul, Jennifer, Melissa, Meghann, Mandy, Ryan, Lindsey, Janine, Shane, Kevin, Emily, and Kenny, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgranddaughter.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Kopiak, Anna Kaminski, Mary Clarke Bly, and Susan Lucarino.

Celebration of Arlene's Life begins Sunday, December 12, 2021, with visitation from 5 to 8 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre, and continues there on Monday, December 13, 2021, with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Patrick.

Arlene's family is grateful to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff for caring for her during her final days.

Donations to St. Jude's Hospital or a children's charitable organization of your preference will honor Arlene's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Arlene's family at www.mjmclaughlin.com