TEWKSBURY: Arlene (Babbin) Wright, age 90, a resident of Tewksbury for over 60 years, a member of the Tewksbury Congregational Church, the Tewksbury Senior Center and a board member of the Tewksbury Council on Aging passed away on September 30th, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
She was the beloved wife of the late James W. Wright Jr. for nearly 60 years.
Arlene was born in Newton, MA on September 20th, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Francis P. Babbin and the late Matilda E. (Sheehan) Babbin and sister to the late Patricia (Babbin) Guay.
Arlene was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton High School.
Arlene’s work career spanned over 3 decades with Gillette, Raytheon, Wang Labs and finally retiring from Fireye of Derry NH as a soldering instructor.
Arlene had an unwavering love of life, always willing and eager to help others.
Arlene and Jim loved camping with the family in Rockland, ME or wherever the camper would take them, whether driving in or being towed in on a few occasions. Arlene was always up for an adventure from flying a piper cub plane to ziplining at 86 and skydiving at 87.
Her passion for singing started at an early age and continued throughout her life. As a young adult she sang with the Handel & Haydn Society, she took a break to raise her family and when she returned, she performed with various groups: Sweet Adelines, Swinging Seniors, Tewksbury Interfaith Choir and countless church choirs. Her second passion for sewing and needlework kept her busy throughout the years.
Arlene is survived by her children, Janine (Wright) Gropp and her husband George of Nashua, NH, Earl Wright of Tewksbury, MA, Doreen (Wright) Moore and her husband Kevin of Sandown, NH and James (Jamie) and wife Carol of Dracut, MA. Eight grandchildren: Kevin Crosby and wife Stephanie, David DeAngelis and wife Anel, Jay Crosby and wife Danielle, Keith Moore and partner Kayla Hannon, Erica Moore and partner Brent Ringland, Holly Wright and partner Shaquille Mitchell, Joshua Gropp and wife Katie, Josh Wright and wife Alexys. Beloved great grandchildren: Colton, Adlie, Emma, Payton, Mia, Camdyn, Charlotte, Lily and Elaina and soon to be Aubrey, Emma and Winston. Along with her nieces and nephews. Her two close friends that were always up for an adventure and there for her always Ginny Desmond and Sandy Cook.
Calling hours will be held Thursday Oct 3rd from 4-7 at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, MA. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Tewksbury Congregational Church
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to MSPCA Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen MA