Arlene Tibbetts, 98, of Union died peacefully at her home on January 4, 2015 after a brief period of declining health.
Born on September 30, 1916, she was the daughter of Ralph and Maude (Philbrick) Laskey. She lived her entire life in the area, attending Nute High School and Concord College of Business. She married Louis E. Tibbetts in 1937, and they enjoyed 54 years of happiness together. She and Louis owned and operated Tibbetts Country Store for 30 years. Aside from assisting her husband in the store, Arlene served her community in many different ways.
She was a member of the Union Congregational Church and served as organist and choir director for many years. She was Sunday school superintendent for 10 years, church clerk for 10 years, hand bell choir director, President of the Women's Fellowship, a Deaconess, and Deaconess Emeritus. She also served as Church Historian and wrote and directed the 100th Anniversary Pageant.
Arlene will be remembered for her love of children and music. She organized and taught Tibbetts Treasures Nursery School for 13 years and served as accompanist for the Hazel MacBrien Kindergarten for several years. She was music supervisor in the Wakefield schools for 7 years, and she played organ and piano at countless weddings, funerals, and other events throughout the community.
She was a 50 year member and past matron of the Unity Fraternal Chapter of the Eastern Star and served as organist for 30 years. She was a member of the Wakefield/Brookfield Historical Society and the Historic District Commission and served as secretary of both for several years. She was a 60-year member of the Grange and a charter member of the Burroughs-Drew Post Auxiliary. Arlene was an avid reader and also served as Librarian and Trustee of the Union Village Library for many years.
In 2002 Arlene was one of the original recipients of the Nute High School Wall of Distinction award for her lifetime of public service.
Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Louis, and her daughter, Karla Tibbetts Wolfe. She is survived by two sons, James (Brenda) of Colebrook, and Timothy (Sandy) of Renton, WA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held later in the spring. Arlene requested no flowers. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Union Congregational Church or the Central NH VNA & Hospice.
Arrangements by Peaslee Funeral Home.