Arlene Helen Carhart Van Deventer, of Bristol formerly of Washington, died Feb. 6 at her home with her husband and daughter, Susan at her side.
Born Nov. 15, 1937, in Newark, N.J., she was the daughter of Herman R. and Esther (French) Carhart.
She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1959 from Newark State College (now Kean University) of New Jersey. She married George V. Van Deventer on Feb. 24, 1965 in the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Jersey City, N.J. During a sabbatical from teaching at S.A.D. 40, Arlene completed her Master of Arts from the University of Maine in 1990. Her specialization was on Greek mythology and fairy tales, and her thesis was “The uses of mythology in the education of third graders.”
She was an avid reader, with literary tastes ranging from Agatha Christie to Carl Sagan, from C.S. Lewis to Tolkien, and she much enjoyed the tongue and cheek humor of Dr. Who.
Arlene taught elementary school for 31 years, 13 of which were in New Jersey, and 18 years in Warren. She was recognized for her professional service to M.S.A.D #40 at her 1998 retirement, including recognition by the Warren Board of Selectmen for her “outstanding dedication to the children of Warren.”
With husband George, Arlene supported the operation of Snow Drift Farm, and was recognized in 1982 by the Maine Ayrshire Club for her “outstanding service” to the organization. Also, with George, Arlene operated Snow Drift Bed & Breakfast for 11 years until they retired to Bristol.
Music was central to Arlene’s life. She sang with the Masterwork Chorus at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (NYC). She also sang with the DownEast Singers and Sheepscot Valley Chorus, both in Maine. She served in various capacities as church organist, pianist and choir director for children’s and adult choirs in New Jersey and Maine from 1950-2008. For the last 25 years, she served as organist and choir director at St. Giles Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her husband, George; daughter, Susan; granddaughter, Mia; and siblings, Ruth Rowe, Maryann Santinelli, and Dave Carhart.
Celebration of her life 10:30 a.m., Sat., Feb. 16 at St. Giles Episcopal Church, Jefferson. A 10 a.m. Bach concert will precede the 10:30 a.m. tribute to Arlene. www.stgilesjefferson.org.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in memory of Arlene to Saint Giles Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 34, Jefferson, ME 04348-0034. These funds will be dedicated to the music program at St. Giles.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
