Honoring Arlene Oakley

After nearly 100 years on this earth, Susan's grandmother, Arlene Oakley, passed away recently. Mrs. Oakley was a bright, driven, woman who loved to travel. A long-time educator, she worked hard to improve the lives of those that she touched.

A few years ago during the Christmas holidays, she and I were able to connect through American History. Returning home, she sent a box of books that she thought I would enjoy. As I write this, I am working my way through one of those books: A Benjamin Franklin Reader, by Walter Isaacson. A collection of Franklin's writings throughout his long life, it has given me a better understanding of Franklin than any biography could. Thank you!!

Marisue Besse, my Mother-in-Law (at left in the photo below with her mother), wrote the following memorial.

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Arlene Oakley
1913--2010

Arlene Rockleman Oakley was born to Amil and Ida Rockleman in 1913 in Lakeview, Michigan. She married Harry Oakley in 1934. She taught in a two-room schoolhouse until the couple moved to Charlevoix, Michigan where their first daughter, Marisue, was born in 1937. Their younger daughter, Linda, was born in 1940 in Bloomington, Indiana.

In 1950 Arlene went back to school and got her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. She taught in Redford Union, a suburb of Detroit. Her master’s degree is from Wayne State University. Her PhD dissertation was never completed. She was the principal of Westland School in Redford Union. She founded an alumnae sorority, Kappa Kappa Alpha at Western Michigan. She was its first president. Mrs. Oakley was on the Detroit lecture circuit. She inspired other women to pursue their education and gain independence through a career. She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women.

Arlene and Harry retired to Sun City Center in 1977. In 1983 she lost Harry to a heart attack, and in 1987, her younger daughter, Linda also died of a heart attack.

Arlene Oakley for many years was active in Armchair Travelers and two bridge groups She served on the boards of Mary Martha House in Ruskin and the Community Foundation of Sun City Center. She traveled more than 70 countries on four continents. Many she visited several times. She died at 97 in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she had moved in January to live with her granddaughter. She is survived by her daughter Marisue, five grandchildren, and eleven great children.