CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Arlene Canosa

Arlene was the kind of woman you never forgot — quick-witted, warm-hearted, and always on the move. She was very strong, positive, and determined, facing every challenge with a fierce New Yorker spirit that defined her life. She was never idle. Whether she was managing a store or chasing down a deal, Arlene poured energy and intention into everything she did. She grew up in Babylon, New York, and carried that vibrant energy with her for life. For five years, she volunteered as the manager at King’s Things in Swedesboro, where she brought order, creativity, and a spark that transformed the store. Under her leadership, the place ran like clockwork, every shelf and every detail had her touch.

Her business skills extended beyond the thrift store. Arlene proudly ran her own hot dog wagon for many years, and she always kept plenty of Yoo-hoos on hand for those visits from her grandchildren, a tradition that became just one of many joyful memories she gave them. For many years, she also attended craft fairs, selling her own beautiful creations, which showcased her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Arlene’s love of gardening was another passion; her green thumb kept her very busy tending to vibrant flower beds and thriving plants that brought beauty to her home.

Arlene met the late Rocco through friends, and the two spent over 50 wonderful years together. When their children were young, winters meant packing up and heading north to their camper in Vermont. There, the family spent weekends barbecuing in the snow, skiing down slopes, and making the kind of memories that last a lifetime. In the late 1990s, after her son Johnny and his family moved from New York to South Jersey, Arlene followed, quickly falling in love with the area. It wasn’t long before some of the other family members followed, settling nearby and staying close, just as she liked it.

Later in life, Arlene found her true calling: being a grandmother. She didn’t just spoil her grandkids with Yoo-hoos, she spoiled them with love, time, traditions, and warmth. Her home was a place of welcome, her heart always open. She made everyone feel like family, because to her, everyone was.

Arlene is predeceased by her husband Rocco, her mother Anna, her sister Jeannie, and her brothers Clyde and Westley. She is survived by her children Johnny, Cindy, and daughter in-law Chris, her grandchildren Michael (Cynthia), Lauren (Billy), Brian (Caitlin), Kelly (Brandon), and Anthony, her five beautiful great-granddaughters (who called her GG) Keira, Gabriella, Vivienne, Avery, and Madelynn, and her great-grandson Liam.

Come celebrate 92 great years on Tuesday, May 13th from 2-6pm and again on Wednesday, May 14th from 9-10am at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at St. Clare of Assisi Parish. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation