Arlene Anderson

Arlene Hope Anderson passed away on August 19, 2024. She was born on December 30, 1948 as the 5th child to Vernon and Iola Brown of Nooksack, WA. She attended Harmony Elementary School, played kick the can with her brothers and neighbor girls, marched in the school band playing the baritone and enjoyed family gatherings with her grandparents and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Arlene graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1967. She attended Bellingham Business School and was soon hired at The Bellingham Herald.

Arlene married the love of her life on September 8, 1972 and had three daughters. She was the heart of the home, always loving and cheering her family on. She ran the Assumption Harvest Festival Sweet Shop, led a girls group of Blue Birds, volunteered for school events, decorated cakes for special occasions and was cheering in the stands for the many games that her husband and daughters played in. She worked at Van's Furniture with her sister Virginia and then at Blackburn Office Equipment. Arlene sang in the church choir at Assumption Church and then later at St. Peter's; she could sing beautiful harmony to just about any song. She and her sister made wedding quilts for their nieces and nephews. She became a grandma in 2006 and loved each of her 6 grandchildren dearly.

Arlene battled with Alzheimer's for more than 10 years. She was lovingly cared for at home by her husband with the help of Visiting Angels and Hospice. Arlene passed away on August 19, 2024 bound for heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Iola Brown, her brother Darrel Brown, sister-in-law Mary Ann Brown, and in-laws Claude and Ellen Anderson.

She is survived by her husband Chuck Anderson; daughters: Tracy (Henry) Van Berkum, Cindy (Tim) Bowden, and Kelly (Matt) Schudde; grandchildren: Ryan and Sarah Van Berkum, Eleanor and Naomi Bowden, and Abby and Paisley Schudde; sister Virginia Lowe; brothers: Bob (Renea) and Larry Brown; sister-in-law Judy Brown; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was loved dearly and will be missed beyond what we can even imagine.

Memorial donations can be given to Whatcom Hospice or St. Peter Mission (Deming).

Services will be held on Thursday, August 29th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (6210 Mt. Baker Hwy, Deming, WA) as follows: 10 AM Rosary and Visitation, 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial, with Reception following. At 2 PM she will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale, WA.