ForeverMissed
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Her Life
December 9, 2015

Arlene Kidder Carswell, 94, a resident of Meadow Lakes Retirement Community in Hightstown, NJ, died peacefully at her home Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Arlene now joins her loving husband Bruce Carswell, who predeceased her in 2003, after 54 years of marriage.

Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1921, Arlene was a lifelong resident of New Jersey. She grew up and attended high school in Ridgewood. In 1943, Arlene was married to Charles Warren Lawton, who predeceased her in 1945. After Charles’ death, Arlene moved to Montclair, where she resided for over forty years. It was in Montclair that Arlene met Bruce Carswell, the second love of her life. After a brief courtship, Arlene and Bruce were married in March of 1949. It became immediately apparent that they were meant to be together for life.

Arlene and Bruce were blessed with two sons and like so many other mothers, Arlene worked quietly and tirelessly to create a wonderful life for her family. She was a true role model for her children, teaching them by example about life values, supporting community and treating everyone with equal respect. The only race Arlene ever saw in people was the Human Race. Her strong values are clearly evident in the values of her children and grandchildren.

Beyond the far reaching positive impact she had on her family, Arlene helped positively shape the lives of the hundreds of students she educated as an elementary school teacher in Bloomfield, NJ, where she taught for almost 20 years. It speaks volumes that some of her students remained in contact with Arlene up until her passing.

In addition to her love for family, friends and students, Arlene had a true love of life and learning. She received a Fine Arts Degree from New Jersey State Teachers College, and at age 50, she returned to school and earned a Masters Degree in Teaching from Paterson State University. Arlene greatly enjoyed art, music, and theater. She loved to create, whether painting, sketching, sculpting, knitting or doing other crafts. Arlene also loved to travel the globe with Bruce. Together they went on many adventures across the United States and to 42 other countries, covering five continents. Many of their trips were focused on learning about ancient cultures, which was another of Arlene’s passions.

Arlene will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by two sons: Bruce, Jr. and his wife Janet of Washington Crossing, PA, and Kevin and his wife Betsy of Fishkill, NY, five grandchildren, William, Marguerite, Daniel, Caroline and Megan, and two cherished great-grandchildren, Thomas and Turner. Her two sisters-in-law, Cornelia Carswell of Richmond, VA and Jean Carswell of Charlottesville, VA, also survive her.