Arlene Dionise

Arlene Dionise, age 93, of Ithaca, born March 26, 1919, in Ithaca, the daughter of Paul and Mary (Fortino) Dionise, died Monday, March 11, 2013, at her home in Ithaca.

Ms. Dionise graduated form Ithaca High School in 1937.  She worked with her father, brother, and sister operating Dionise Market for the next 50 years, until their retirement in May 1993.

Arlene attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ithaca.  She was strong in her faith, loved her family, and enjoyed everyone who came into the store.  Her love and beautiful smile will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her youngest sister, Dorothy; her nephew, John (Angela) Town and his children, Courtney, Trevor and Jordan; her niece Mary Town (Kevin Bowen) and their daughter, Hannah, all of Ithaca; and many other cherished nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Sam Dionise and Victor Dionise; and her sisters, Virginia Spaniola, Julia Giglio, and Pauline Town.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Ithaca, with Father Jules Spleet officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8, with a prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot County Hospice or to St. Paul’s Catholic Church.