Obituary of Arlene Carol Person
Arlene Carol Person
(March 15, 1934 - September 8, 2020)
Arlene Carol Skaret was born March 15, 1934 in Camrose to William and Margaret Skaret and was a middle sister to her brothers Herb and Rodney. Like many, she was especially proud of her Armena/Skaret roots, and was known by a few of us to recite often, “my name is Arlena and I come from Armena!”
Mom was only three years old when her father William died of influenza. A time we feel she carried with her and never fully healed from.
She often shared her memories of that time and was so deeply grateful for her brothers and extended Skaret family.
Mom was seven when her mother Margaret married her dad, our grandpa, Martin Hendrickson.
Mom cherished her childhood memories in Armena – shared with friends and her Skaret cousins. She reminisced of farm life, walks to school with her lifelong friend Lois Aspenes, the fun of family reunions and ball tournaments.
It was while mom was a student at Camrose Lutheran College that she met Alver Person, the handsome basketball coach and the love of her life. They were married at Armena in 1959 and shared 52 years together.
Life was never dull with Arlene as a mom. She had a zest for life and determination that is hard to describe. Let’s just say she dove right in! There is no one who could make us laugh to tears quite like mom!
Summers were spent at Hastings Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, family camping trips to Radium Hot Springs and the Okanagan with cousins and friends. We shared a family trip to Scandinavia, visiting the Skaret and Person homesteads. Mom and Dad retuned for a few trips on their own as well.
Mom enjoyed many ski trips to Sunshine Mountain with her female cousins, along with numerous family ski trips to Banff and Jasper. Her skiing adventures came to an end in her late 60’s after zipping down the mountain in true Arlene fashion, resulting in a fractured pelvis – something mom was rather disgusted about! She loved her golfing days as well, taking part in weekly ladies day and tournaments. Mom was very passionate about community and church service, on her own and together with dad.
Mom was blessed with a rich circle of friends. Some of which she gathered for a weekly prayer group for many years, five of them still gathering today. Daughter Kathy recalls mom saying to her the night before she was married, how important it was to not neglect her female friendships – a message Kathy is forever grateful for.
After selling Burgar Funeral Home and in their retirement, mom and dad enjoyed winters in Arizona, their little cabin on the Person farm, travels with her brother Herb and Doris, times in Hawaii with the Osness’, hosting numerous dinner and coffee parties and special family times at Herb and Doris’ cabin. Her grandchildren were a source of joy and adventure. It was years later that the kids confessed some of their memories of when Nana was in charge. Just for fun and because she could, she suggested they ride in the trunk while she drove, giving them each a flashlight, all the while little Anna steering while sitting on Nana’s lap. One of many Nana moments and often ending with the words, “we won’t tell your parents!”
Mom loved deeply. She experienced times of great joy and along with this, times of deep sadness and personal struggle. A paradox that we now feel was simply her way and part of her journey. Her seven years at Louise Jensen Care Center was truly peaceful. The staff spoke often of her humor, love of singing and humming, especially ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’.
Her faith was paramount to her and this was always present.
Arlene passed away so very peacefully on, September 8, 2020 at the age of 86 years. Left to cherish her memory are her children Kathy (Steve) Haugen and John (Carmen) Person; her three grandchildren, Hans (Nancy) Haugen, Luke Haugen (Alyssa Olstad), Anna (Harry) Tribble; and one great grandchild, David, all of Camrose. She is also survived by her two sisters-in-law Doris Skaret of Camrose and Carol Skaret of Armena, nieces and nephews Deb, Warren, Todd, Denise and Chad, along with their spouses and children.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Alver, parents William and Margaret Skaret, step-dad Martin Hendrickson and brothers Herbert and Rodney whom she loved so very much.
Due to the unfortunate reality of Covid 19, we appreciate your understanding that a private family time of remembrance and celebration of Arlene’s life was held. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Bethany Group, 4612-53 Street Camrose AB, T4V 1Y6 or to The Canadian Dementia Action Network (c/o Davis LLP Suite 2800 Park Place, 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC, Canada, V6C 2Z7).
