Obituary of Arlene B. Vrooman

Arlene Vrooman, 88, of Woodbridge, CA, went peacefully to heaven on December 6, 2023 after a long and courageous struggle with COPD and congestive heart failure.

Arlene was born on August 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, CA, to the late Frank B. And Nellie Clewett. She was raised in Huntington Park, CA and attended the local schools where she graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1953. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life and future husband, Raymond (Ray) Vrooman. They were married on November 14, 1953. Interestingly enough their son Gary and grand-daughter Heather share that same date as birthdays, 20 years apart. Arlene excelled in math and attended college level accounting courses in high school. Upon graduating she immediately went to work for the local newspaper and a car dealership. She was also the accountant for Ray's tool and die business in its early years of growth. The business grew rapidly and after much success, she decided it was time to have a family and raise children. Arlene was very active in her younger years and always made sure that her family spent time bonding with extended family. She was involved with many organizations such as Scouting, the U.S. Figure Skating Association, Ice Hockey, PTA, Philatelic Associations and more. In 1973, Ray and Arlene decided to leave the fast paced life of Southern California and purchased a small marina in the quaint town of Walnut Grove, CA, where she did all of the record keeping, ran the waterfront store cafe and promoted the highly memorable Friday night steak barbecues. After 35 years and tripling the size of the marina, they decided to sell and retire due to Ray's declining health. Arlene loved animals and loved having "Historical" dinner parties with the Hannahs and Browns including trips to Hawaii and Vegas…with, of course, the Hannahs and Browns and she loved just traveling in general...with the Hannahs and Browns!

In her later years, Arlene was still hip and was known to occasionally attend concerts like Elton John or TSO but especially cherished making the bi-annual road trip to Reno with her beloved friend, Linda Hannah, for some fun at the casinos. Once her health would not allow her to participate in her adventures, she enjoyed being at home with her kitties, watching her favorite shows and passionately doing extensive genealogical research on our families "many" roots.

Arlene was an intelligent, well-organized, strong-willed classy lady and a loyal friend. Her amazing friends, Pat and Linda  would come to her home to do her hair and nails during which they would have their "girl's time". It really helped Mom maintain a sense of normalcy. She loved and appreciated you two so much! The family would also like to thank her caregivers and friends, Isabella, Rhoda, Lazette and Leslie for helping her to maintain her independence until her last day. Arlene is survived by her son, Gary (Kay) Vrooman, daughter-in-law, Norma Vrooman, sister, Janet (Ed) Schuler, Granddaughter Heather (Joe) Vuica, brother and sister-in-law's, Warren and Beth Vrooman, sister-in-law, Joanne Vrooman, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Vrooman, daughter, Lisa, son, Steve, brother-in-law, Walter Vrooman, niece, Jennifer Six, nephew, Dale Six and many other loved ones. 

A short service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2023, at 11AM at the Lodi Funeral Home located at 725 S. Fairmont Avenue in Lodi, CA, 95240.

A reception celebrating Arlene's life will follow at the Fairfield Inn located at 262 Rocky Lane, Lodi, CA, 95240.
Please RSVP at arlenecelebration@gmail.com or contact Gary for our catering head count.