Arlene (Zarchen) Norman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arlene Zarchen Norman, 90, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Arlene died peacefully at her home in Manchester, CT, surrounded by her loving family on February 24, 2023.

Born in Providence, RI,  Arlene grew up in West Hartford, CT and attended Hall High School. She graduated from Simmons College in Boston with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.  Arlene later earned a Master's Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from UConn. She opened her own therapy practice in Manchester specializing in Couples Counseling and Divorce Mediation.  

Arlene had impeccable taste in clothes and was extremely progressive for her time, strongly believing in women's rights. She loved gardening and became a Master Gardener through the UConn Master Gardner's Program.  Arlene was passionate about cooking and was featured in, "From Your Neighbor's Kitchen" in the Manchester Herald where she shared her infamous Ratatouille and Blueberry Pie Recipes. She was an avid reader and belonged to a ladies bookclub. She also enjoyed sewing. After retiring, Arlene took up tap dancing, a childhood passion. She performed in dance recitals well into her 80's with "The Perennials" tap group.  She also carried on the Norman tradition of running in the Manchester Road Race. Arlene served as President and Vice President of the Manchester Memorial Hospital Women's Auxiliary, and was a life-time member of Hadassah and the Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood.  

Arlene is predeceased by her father, Louis Zarchen and her mother, Myrtice Zarchen. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Paul Stuart Norman, and their three children, David Norman (Joann) of Westbrook, CT, Tom Norman (MaryBeth), formerly of South Glastonbury, CT and Emily Norman Bernard, of  Lenox, MA.  Family meant everything to Arlene. She  reveled in spending time and traveling with her 6 grandchildren, Erin, Ashley, Brianna, Sarah, Olivia and Lyle. She loved being their "Grammy", and would attend their school plays, graduations, grandparents day and sporting events. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Zarchen (Susan) of Florida and nephews, Louis and Jonathan. 

Arlene and Paul's marriage was a true love story. They met in junior high school and after tying the knot in their 20's, they would go on to travel around the world, hike, ski, play tennis and bridge together. Both were huge advocates of the arts and loyal patrons of the Hartford Symphony, Hartford Stage Co., Tanglewood, Theater Works and Playhouse on Park,. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to West Hartford's Playhouse Theatre Group, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119. Attn: Darlene Zoller or The Cure Alzheimer's Fund at https://curealz.org. Services will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10am, at the Manchester Funeral Home, 142 East Center Street, Manchester, CT. Burial to follow at Beth Sholom Memorial Park in Manchester, CT. The service will be live-streamed. To watch the service, leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.blumensteinfuneralhome.com

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