Arlene Joyce Zolondick (Ginsberg,) age 81, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Arlene was born on August 15, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York and lived her adult life in Wilmington, MA and more recently Wellesley, MA.
Arlene possessed an extremely adventurous and determined spirit. In the late 50s, she marched on Washington and then in the South fighting for civil rights. She would say, "That’s OK kids, only one night in jail!" In the 60’s, while raising her very young children, she trained in circuit board assembly. She started and led a successful woman owned electronics engineering company for 45 years until she retired. Throughout her life, Arlene was concerned about the world both politically and personally, always giving her utmost to help the lives of her family and everyone around her. A unique story which shows Arlene’s huge heart and spirit, is when she persevered through harsh nor’easter snow storms, transferring her deep determination into the old Chevy station wagon, picking up stranded folks and bringing them home for dinner.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Arlene’s dedicated medical doctors and nurses from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and to her best friend Sybil, whose friendship over many years was such a comfort and safe harbor throughout Arlene‘s life. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank Arlene’s caregivers Anna, Kaia, Kathe, and Maria, who each brought their unique gifts in caregiving which allowed Arlene to be at home for the last three weeks.
Arlene was the beloved life partner of Ernie Adams who preceded her in death, the former wife of Martin Zolondick who preceded her in death, and the former wife of Peter Welthy. She was the sister to Linda Weiss, Mother to Karen, Adrienne, and Steven, Mother-in-Law to Allison, Grandmother to Alicia, Sarah, Riley, Abby, Talia, and Ari.
Arlene was a very powerful, inspiring, funny, giving, warm woman, who could turn any difficulty into gold. Her love for life, wonderful sense of humor, deep caring for others, and strong spirit will live on through her family and the lives of all those whom she touched.
In lieu of flowers, Arlene would have loved donations to go to the Democratic National Committee or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, both causes dear to her heart.