Obituary of Arlene Donel Ragan

Arlene Donel Shea Ragan, 81, died peacefully on June 22, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of John Dennis Ragan, Sr. for 50 years and the mother of Christine, Dan (Christine), John, and Michael.

Arlene was born in Providence RI to Daniel Michael and JoHanna Celia Shea in 1938. She is survived by her sister Joan Lewers of Wayne PA and her sister-in-law Mary Ragan of New York City.

Arlene’s predeceased siblings are John O’Shea, Patricia Adams, Donald Shea and Barbara Kenny.

Additionally she has 4 beautiful grandchildren whom she loved. Dan and Christine’s children: JoHanna and Ronan and John and Vicki’s children: Caroline and Peter. She had many nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly.

Arlene was a proud graduate of St Xavier’s Academy and Salve Regina University. After graduation she taught elementary school in several New England cities. She also taught on US Air Force bases in Germany and Puerto Rico, assignments she loved as they provided many enriching travel opportunities.In 1968, she joined Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company as a Reading and Language Arts Consultant in the New England States. She met Dennis, a salesman at the Company, at that time and they were married June 21, 1969 in Warwick RI. Lovely luck! Arlene spent her life as a wife and mother in West Hartford CT, Camillus NY and most recently in beautiful Charlotte NC to be nearer her supportive children.

Arlene will be remembered as a passionate storyteller, who enjoyed owning the room at family parties. She was by nature quiet and reflective but when the time was right and she had a story to tell, it was magic to hear it unfold. Arlene possessed a prodigious memory and could recite poems and songs completely. She was taught to memorize by the Sisters of Mercy and by her sisters Pat and Joan.

Arlene delighted in dressing with style. She took great pride in a well turned out look and it was a pleasure to see the finished product.

One of Arlene’s great pleasures was hosting her annual St Patrick’s Day parties with all our friends.

The Ragan Family would like to express their thanks to the dedicated staff, nurses and doctors at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Mercy Hospital ( 6 South and ICU ) and Levine & Dickinson Hospice at Aldersgate.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum 4100 East Genesee St Dewitt NY 13214

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you might consider a donation to The Exceptional Foundation of Charlotte PO Box 11467 Charlotte, NC 28220 or a favorite charity in Arlene’s memory.