December 10, 1935 – August 13, 2022
Arlene was born in Elkhart, Indiana, the seventh child of Russell and Margaret Alwine, where she spent her childhood and adult life until marrying Charles Carboneau in 1979. In 1987 they relocated to Mesa, Arizona, which became their permanent residence
In her young adult life, Arlene, from necessity, taught herself innumerable home-making and crafting skills that endured throughout her life. She loved to encourage others to participate and had endless patience teaching others. Nobody benefited more from her many skills and talents than her five grateful daughters who carry on her traditions to this day.
Two of Arlene’s strongest traits were her sense of compassion and of empathy. When the call went out for help, Arlene was there with bells on to help whomever, and however, she could. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor to all who knew her. Her deeply rooted love of animals and her granddog-caretaking was precious to behold.
Arlene was never far from the kitchen, along with Charles, her dutiful sous chef. As an adventurous home cook, she loved experimenting with unusual ingredients. Her mouth-watering meals were unforgettable, and she took special pride in her meatballs and red sauce.
When she wasn’t making fabulous meals and looking for new recipes, she could be found in her craft room creating truly amazing hand-crafted cards for every occasion. If you were family, friends, or neighbors, you were inevitably the recipient of her work-of-art cards…always written with heartfelt sentiment.
Arlene’s sense of humor was boundless. Her punchline delivery sometimes went astray, but she always made people laugh with her infectious humor. She thrived on social gatherings and generally became the life of the party. As the saying goes ‘she never met a stranger!’ Arlene enjoyed many genres of music, and had a beautiful singing voice which she wasn’t shy to share.
Arlene’s love of family was witnessed by all who knew her. She left a beautiful legacy of what it is like to love your family well.
She is preceded by her parents, Russell and Margaret, her siblings; Charles(Shirley) Alwine, Raymond (Helen) Alwine and Shirley(Earle)Burton and her granddogs Enzo, Cassie and Sadie.
Arlene is survived by her family in Arizona: her husband Charles Carboneau, her five daughters; Karen(Gene)Berg, Kimi Fodroczi, Kristi Williams, Kathy Smoyer and Kolene Saboe. She is also survived by her eight step children (residing in various states): Charlie (Katie) Carboneau, Mark (Lori) Carboneau, Mary Carboneau, Theresa (Kevin) Raffael, Matthew (Ann) Carboneau, Karla (Don) Salo, Jeanna Fawcett, and Neal (Chris) Carboneau. She is also survived by her siblings Joel (Bernie) Alwine, Sally (Dick) Hobson and Betty (John) Bond. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Abby Neal, Chelsea (Josh) Walker, Klaire Saboe and great grandchildren KJ, Martell, Michelle, Rebecca, and Penelope as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Given her love of animals and local services, she requested that any donations go to the Elkhart Humane Society; or in Arizona, the animal rescue of your choice, or to Help Services in the Dreamland Villa neighborhood.
