VOLNEY, NY – Arlene Elizabeth Dodge, 98, of Minetto, passed away peacefully, at home on April 2, 2024, with her family by her side.
Arlene was born in Volney on May 14, 1925, to Claude and Florence (Gaylord) Bacon.
She and her husband, Lawrence, raised their four children together in Minetto. They owned and operated Dodge’s Superette Grocery Store for eighteen years before building the family homestead on Benson Avenue – where countless family gatherings have taken place ever since. Arlene was also a proud and top-selling Avon Sales Representative for over 40 years. Faith and family remained Arlene’s guiding forces throughout her life. She was a lifelong, active member of the Minetto United Methodist Church where she served on many committees, volunteered at church dinners, and participated in bible studies. Time spent with her family was her unwavering priority through her final days.
Arlene was the matriarch of her family in every sense – she was proud to be the oldest person most knew, deeply selfless, and curated endless laughter and love amongst all who knew her, most especially her devoted children and grandchildren. While she is profoundly missed, her family celebrates her incredible life, well-lived, and will honor her memory for generations.
Arlene is survived by her loving daughters Jacqueline Dodge, of Oswego, and Deborah (John) Familo, of Minetto, and sons Lawrence Dodge Jr., of Rochester, and Doug (Delia) Dodge, of Oswego. She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Randy (Riesa) Farnsworth, Shawn Dodge, Megan (JP) Scullin, Kelsey Porter, Jaime Dodge and Brian Dodge, as well as five adoring great-grandchildren: Lauren and Brooke Farnsworth, Dylan Dodge, and Jack and Teddy Scullin.
In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by beloved husband Lawrence in 1999, as well as her brothers Spencer Bacon, Edward Bacon, and sister, Eleanor Mack.
Family and friends are invited to call from 3-6pm Wednesday, April 10th at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street.
A Funeral Service will be held at Minetto United Methodist Church at 11am on Thursday. A burial will follow in Minetto Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Minetto United Methodist Church in Arlene’s memory. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.