Arlene passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22nd, 2023 at the Bethany Lodge in Unionville at the age of 90 years. Arlene is survived by her children Stephen (Bernadette), Christine, and Catherine (Tim). Arlene is predeceased by her husband Mort, brother Vern and his wife Marcelle and brother Ray. She is survived by sisters Doris (the late Vern) and Doreen (George), brother Brian (Sandra), and sisters-in-law Joyce and Rose (the late Bob). She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Adam, Anja and Katarina.
Arlene was born to Annie of Deux Rivieres, Ontario, and Leo Donnelly of Mackey Station, Ontario, in Kapuskasing, on July 8th, 1933. Arlene and her brothers and sisters grew up in Kapuskasing in Northern Ontario during the Depression and war years. This taught her many of her cherished and constant virtues - resourcefulness, diligence, thrift, devotion, and a calling to duty to make others’ lives a bit easier whenever possible. And above all, an unflagging cheerfulness in facing any adversity that came her way. Her humour and easygoing nature were a constant source of comfort, support, and joy to her family and friends. She completed her nursing training at the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Timmins in 1954. While in nursing college, she met Morton Albert Dafoe of Timmins, and they were married. Arlene devoted her professional career to bedside nursing. On the Surgery 3 Ward of RVH in downtown Barrie, she delivered nearly four decades of patient care selflessly and cheerfully.
In keeping with Arlene’s wishes, a private Funeral Mass has taken place at the St. Mary’s Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie. A recording of the livestream will be made available here. Arlene was laid to rest with her husband at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.steckleygooderham.com