Arlene Anderson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully transitioned from this life into eternal life on January 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Penn State Medical Center at Hampden in Enola, Pennsylvania. Arlene was the cherished daughter of Theodore R. Woodward and Mary Adley Woodward. She was affectionately raised by her bonus mother, Elsie Washington-Woodward, who played a significant role in her upbringing.
Arlene received her formal education from the Harrisburg Catholic School System, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to service and community. For over 30 years, she devoted herself to the Harrisburg School District, where her impact on students and colleagues alike will be fondly remembered. After retiring in 1991, Arlene embraced her true passionsโcaring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, indulging in her love for cowboy movies and "Gunsmoke," playing solitaire, and cherishing time spent with family and friends.
Arlene was known for her warm hospitality; her home was always open, offering a comforting meal and a welcoming embrace. Her witty remarks and infectious laughter brought joy to those around her, but it was her unwavering love for her family that defined her life.
In 1950, Arlene married Henry Durthes Anderson, and together they welcomed a son, Glenn Anderson. She later experienced the heartache of losing her son, Zachary M. Anderson, but her love and strength remained a guiding light for her family. Arlene is survived by her son, Glenn Anderson of Michigan; her daughters, Joni Cooksey, Pearl Lumpkin, Angel Johnson, Linda Avery, and Carrie Thomas; and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her brothers, James Woodward, John Woodward, Floyd Woodward, and Earl Woodward and her son, Zachary Anderson.
Arlene Anderson's legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Her life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
My condolences to the family and friends.
Aunt Arlene.... ๐ Most of the younger family members know you in your senior life. We (your Children, nieces and nephews) had the pleasure of sharing your life in your younger days... Oh my goodness - like cuz TIMEKO said: delicious meals! We always had so much fun at Aunt Arlene's house. She believed in creating fun things for us to do as kids. She also would make clothing items for us that were trendy at that time. I remember Zack and Glenn making us breakfast when we spent the night. Aunt Arlene and my dad, (her brother Floyd), would have unsaid cooking competitions then share their secrets. If she liked something she would say it was: OUTTA SITE!! lol.. Cuzn Pam making pies, cuzn Deb R there cooking, so many names come to mind when I think of those days on Dauphin, Wallace and Curtin streets and beyond, teenage parties for just her nieces and nephews: we'd bring our music and she'd make all the food. She just wanted us to have fun. She continued with that tradition after we grew up and had children. The gathering just got bigger. She was an excellent cook and made OUTTA SITE Greens herself, amongst many other things. Aunt Arlene was cheerful and comical. It really saddens me when I think of how she was the end of an era in our family. She was the only girl with 4 brothers, and she outlived them all. BUT... I know she's been welcomed in by her brothers (and their wives). We will all meet again one day in God 's Glory. God bless you Auntie for the love, ๐ for the food ๐ฅ, for making us laugh๐, and for all the smiles and smiles and smiles ๐Sending Smiles back to you in Heaven: :-) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
My sincere condolences go out to Linda and her family!
Elaine
My sincere condolences to Linda and family!
My heartfelt condolences to the family in the passing of your mother ๐๐ฝ
Toby Clark M
To Keith, Linda, Danny and Lil Keith; and extended family...my heart was saddened when I heard of the passing of Ms. Arlene. My deepest and sincere condolences are with you all as well as my prayers during this time. My love for Ms. Arlene grew when Keith and Linda would take me over there after church; OLD First Baptist in Edgmont; at the bottom of the hill. So many memories flooded my mind of Ms. Arlene's Sunday dinners putting everybody to sleep, the laughs, the lessons and the love that she provided to anybody that crossed her door. I never felt like a stranger in her home! She was the example of what a Grandmom is supposed to be! May she rest in peace and in the father's arms. May GOD Bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to my Harrisburg family from Atlanta. I'm deeply sorry we weren't able to make it due to the inclement weather conditions. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.๐
Auntie, please kiss my dad (James T. Woodward - Woody)and let him know how much we miss him. Rest well until we meet again๐
Love you always, Timeko & family ๐
Timeko Woodward- James T. Woodward's youngest daughter.
Auntie, I will forever cherish the memories of when my siblings and I would come to town. You were always there to pick us up from the bus station, and you welcomed us with your warmth and love, preparing those delicious meals that made our visits so special. I've yet to find anyone who can cook scallops potatoes the way you didโบ๏ธ
You lived your life with such grace, and I am grateful for the love and care you poured into our lives.
Auntie, please kiss my dad( Woody) and let him know how much we miss him. Rest well until we meet again๐
Love you always, Timeko & family ๐
Timeko Woodward- James T. Woodward's youngest daughter.
Auntie, I will forever cherish the memories of when my siblings and I would come to town. You were always there to pick us up from the bus station, and you welcomed us with your warmth and love, preparing those delicious meals that made our visits so special. I've yet to find anyone who can cook scallop potatoes the way you didโบ๏ธ.
You lived your life with such grace, and I am grateful for the love and care you poured into our lives.
Auntie, please kiss my dad and let him know how much we miss him. Rest well until we meet again.
Love you always, Timeko & family ๐
In fond and loving memory. Rest in peace and power Aunt Arlene. Prayers of strength and comfort to the family ๐๐ฝ LBD
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. DEBORAH BALLARD
Forever in my heart I love you , you will be missed LL Gram๐ค. Jay
LOVE YOU๐ฅฐ๐๏ธSO MUCH U GAVE ME THE BEST LIFE YOU ARE NO LONGER N PAIN IMA MISS TAKING YOU SHOPPING ,TALKING TO YOU EVERY DAY ,&MORE WORDS JUST CANT EXPRESS MOM ๐ข๐ NOW U WITH UNCLE ZACK & MIR ๐ love you gmom -MOM
You will be truly missed and i love you forever and always grandma glad your at peace . Your number 1 boy ๐
My Loving Aunt. My mentor, friend, Aunt/Grandmom to my children and Grands. There so much I can say about my Auntie. Auntie my heart is broken because I will miss you so much. But now your with your Loved one on the other side who you missed. May God Rest Your Soul Beautiful Lady. Honored to call you My Auntie. We Love you ๐ Forever ( Youd Special Niece Crystal) Crystal Newkirk & Woodward Family
My condolences to the family. Miss Arlene will truly be missed.
Condolences and prayers to the family. Donya Bullock
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