Arlene E. Morkis

1935 – 2022

North Grosvenordale – Arlene E. Morkis, 87, of North Grosvenordale, peacefully passed away on November 24, 2022, at Matulaitis Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since August 2022.

Arlene was born on July 3, 1935, in Moosup to the late Rachel (Dragon) and Alcidas Vandale.

Arlene married Charles J. Morkis, Jr. on December 31, 1977. He predeceased her on March 9, 2002.

Arlene attended schools in Killingly, then worked in local textile mills and waitressed in local restaurants. In 1972, she worked at the DKH coffee shop for 9 years, then at DKH Nutritional Services for 14 years, until her retirement in 1995. She had been a breast cancer survivor since 1994.

Arlene was predeceased by two sisters, Doris Vandale and Theresa Allan; and four brothers, Raynold, Lionel, Norman, and Wilfred; two nephews, Bernard Allan and Robert McFarlane; one niece, Sandra Bouvier; and one sister in law, Mae Vandale.

Arlene leaves a special nephew, Edward Allan, and his wife, Marcy Allan, who were a great help and comfort to her; a grand-niece, Lisa bates; and a great grand-niece, Alexsis McFarlane. She also leaves sister in-law, Lucille Vandale; and two step daughters, Christine (Raymond) Williams and their family and Susan Parker and her family. She leaves a special thank you to Raymond Williams for all his help. Arlene is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Arlene’s favorite things were the ocean at Cape Cod, her pets, and watching her birds at the feeders from her little house in North Grosvenordale.

Services for Arlene have been respectfully omitted. Cremation services have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arlene’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326, or to the American Cancer Society.