Wilda Arlene Graham, at age 92 of Greece, NY, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025.
Arlene is predeceased by her parents, James and Wilda Bergen and her brother James (Shirley) Bergen.
Arlene is survived by her brother Pete (Karen) Bergen, her sister Ruthann (Steven) Smiley, daughter Linda (Ermie) Tolentino, sons David (Victoria) Graham and Marty (Mary Grace) Graham, 8 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Arlene was born August 18, 1932, to James and Wilda Bergen in Watsontown, PA. She grew up in Milton, PA, with her siblings, Jim, Pete and Ruthann. Arlene was a Majorette in the Milton High School Marching Band. She worked at the Milton Telephone Company as an operator.
Arlene met her true love Donald R Graham on a porch swing while he was visiting in Milton, PA. They married in May of 1953 and moved to Rochester, NY. where they started their family. Donald passed unexpectedly in 1968. At that point Arlene went to work to support her family and eventually retired from Eastman Kodak.
Arlene had a passion for her love of music, loved to dance, loved to travel and had a great sense of humor and was easily entertained by her children who loved to make her laugh. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the booster club and a season ticket holder with the Rochester Amerks.
Arlene’s greatest love was her family, and she delighted in family gatherings and hearing all the news about grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed their company more than anything right to the end.
Arlene was a woman who believed life was meant to be celebrated, was known for her elegant style and fierce attitude. Those who knew her best would tell you that no gathering was complete until she arrived, invariably dressed to perfection with something that sparkled – a fitting reflection of her bright spirit. We will miss her immensely but take comfort in the knowledge that she rests securely in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.
A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held Friday, March 21st at 12 Noon at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3000 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing a dance with someone you love in Arlene’s memory.
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We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was always fun at the camp site in Hamlin and we enjoyed many campfires with her. She will be missed by many.
I worked with Arlene at Kodak. We also spent many hours talking on the phone after leaving Kodak. May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Dave. My condolences to your family with prayers sent.
Take care and God Bless. 🙏 🙏
Sorry to hear of your mom‘s piercing. We didn’t get the information until after it was all over. I don’t know.