Arlene H. Wardell's Obituary
WARDELL, ARLENE HANCOCK. Arlene, 74, was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend. Her home was in Miami where she lived with her husband Robert Lynn until his death in 1999 and lived there until her unexpected death August 31, 2009. Surviving are her sons Robert and Thomas, and their wives Emily (Robert) and Glysel (Thomas). Her two grandchildren, Rachel who loved the shopping trips with her grandmother and T.J. who loved the baseball games and Tennessee trips with his grandma, have given her so much happiness. Her love for them was unbounded-- adding a wonderful dimension to her life. For those who knew her well, Arlene was the epitome of love and caring. As a friend, she was loyal, genuine, and true. Her many friends in the Miami-Dade Public Schools were a priority in her life. She loved to travel, both domestically and abroad; there were always friends who enjoyed some of the trips with her. She was a descendant of John Hancock and was an avid student of her family history. Her membership in Alpha Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma, both sororities for women teachers, were close to her heart. In addition to the educational pursuits of these memberships, she formed lifetime friendships with many of her sister members. Also, the Dade Reading Council and the Retired Teachers Association enjoyed her leadership and support. Perhaps Arlene's greatest love was Jesus Christ, her Lord. Her books, her many Bibles, her DVDs, and tapes all attested to her deep study of God's Word. She lived her Christianity every minute of every day, never swerving from her beliefs. Granada Presbyterian is the church where she was an active member and on the Board of the Granada Day School. Arlene will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She touched hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives as a classroom teacher, a personnel administrator with the school system, and her recent work with the Charter Schools. She truly became an integral part of God's world of beauty, an Earth angel. Funeral arrangements are directed by Van Orsdel Funeral Home in Kendall. A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Friday, September 4, the funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall at Granada Presbyterian Church, followed by interment at Miami Memorial Park at 6200 SW 77th Avenue. For those who wish to join the family after the interment, they are invited to be with the family at Arlene's home.
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