Arlene V. Cadwell, 93, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Froedtert South St. Catherine’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 15, 1931, in Chicago to the late Harry E. and Mary J. (Garry) Myers, Arlene was educated in Catholic schools, including Trinity High School and a year at DePaul University, which laid the foundation for a life defined by grace, resilience, community and compassion.
It was in her early 20’s at a lively dance where Arlene met her future husband, James R. Cadwell. They were later married on August 18, 1956, at St. Peter Canisius Church in Chicago. Together, they lovingly raised six children, instilling in them the values of kindness and determination. Arlene was a devoted homemaker who later played an active role managing her husband’s orthodontic practice in Rhinelander, WI.
After James’ passing in 1983, she courageously embarked on new chapters of her life by returning to Illinois to be near family, then moving to Green Bay where she embraced the joy of helping care for her grandchildren. Her time working in the jewelry department at Prange’s in Green Bay, and as a lunch lady at De Pere Middle School reflected her simple, yet enduring commitment to treating everyone with kindness and respect. After retiring in her 80s, she moved to Kenosha where she resided near her son and son-in-law and made many close friends.
A passionate reader, Arlene often immersed herself in four to five books at a time, nurturing her ever-curious mind and soulful spirit. Family was her heart’s true home, and she was always ready to offer comfort and guidance whenever needed. Whether she was singing in the St. Catherine’s Commons choir, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, keeping abreast of politics and current events, or enjoying the latest streaming series and movies, Arlene’s presence brought joy and inspiration to everyone around her. In her earlier years, she was renowned for throwing fabulous parties, where her legendary lemon meringue pie became the centerpiece of many cherished gatherings.
Arlene is lovingly remembered by her surviving children, Mary (Cary) Shoberg, Julie (Steven) Letellier, Lora Cadwell, Lisa (Kenneth) Sexton, and Matthew (Michael Maki) Cadwell, as well as her grandchildren Christopher, Tracy, Carly, Kathryn, Allison, James, and Rainer; her great grandchildren Stephanie, Shaun, and Henry; and her sister Joan Benson, along with nephews and nieces Patricia, Karen, and Michael. Her memory is also treasured by her devoted feline fur baby, Emmy, who spent countless hours nestled in her lap. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her two sons, James Cadwell (in infancy) and John Cadwell, and her niece Colleen Benson.
A memorial service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bruch Funeral Home, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow later at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Women’s and Children’s Horizons of Kenosha or the Kenosha Literacy Council.
Arlene’s life remains a testament to love, perseverance, and the enduring strength of family bonds, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
