Arlene Mae deBoer (nee Flick) - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Arlene Mae deBoer (nee Flick)

June 14, 1924 - February 6, 2014

Arlene deBoer, a longtime resident of New Castle, went peacefully to her Savior in Heaven on Thursday, February 6, 2014. Arlene was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1924 to Irene Mae and Howard Flick in White Haven, PA.

At the age of 14, she first met her future husband, Lloyd W. (Jim) deBoer, when he delivered baked goods from deBoer’s Bakery to her home. He was 20 at the time so he barely gave her a glance. After graduating from high school, Arlene briefly attended nursing school in Reading, PA, but because she was homesick she left after six weeks. She went to work at Split Rock Lodge as a waitress in the main dining room and later as a singer with the resort’s orchestra. She also sang on weekend evenings at a club in Hazelton, PA. During World War II, Arlene spent her days in a nearby factory painting bombs red, white and blue.

Although she was engaged to another young man, shortly after Jim deBoer returned from serving in the Marine Corps, both of them broke their engagements and became engaged to each other on Valentine’s Day, 1946. They were married in White Haven Presbyterian Church on March 16th.

Arlene helped out at the bakery when they were first married. When Jim’s father was ready to retire, the bakery was sold and Jim went to work for what was then Atlas Powder Company. In 1951, he was transferred to the company’s Chemical Engineering Laboratory located on Cherry Lane in New Castle. Arlene was a working mother when most mother’s were not. She first worked as a saleswoman at the Children’s Corner, located in the 900 block of Market Street in downtown Wilmington, followed by a nearly 30 year career as the receptionist for the law firm of Connolly, Bove, Lodge and Hutz, retiring in 1986.

Arlene and Jim were part of the small group of charter members of Faith Lutheran Church, formed in 1954. From those early years until 60 years later, the church and her church family were at the center of Arlene’s life. Her various roles included Sunday School teacher, choir member and soloist, Elder of Worship, member of the Priscilla Circle and the Caring Committee. Her personal relationship with God was of the utmost importance to her and even as her mobility declined, she continued to make telephone calls and send out cards to people who needed some uplifting.

Besides her faith and family, Arlene was passionate about helping people and animals in need. She regularly supported many organizations dedicated to saving animals from all types of abuse as well as to many charities focused on helping people in need worldwide.

Arlene was predeceased by her parents, beloved husband, Jim, and a younger brother, Howard F. Flick, Jr. In addition to her daughter, Jameé McGaughan, she is survived by her son-in-law, Lee T. McGaughan of Newark; adored grandsons James Michael of Newark, and Sean Patrick McGaughan (Carrie) of Pembroke Pines, FL; four precious great-grandchildren, John, Riagan, Caiden and Kaitlyn; nephew, John E. Dinan (Mary and son, Jonathan) of Lake Como, PA; and her ever faithful daily companion and granddog, Jack, to whom she was known as his other mommy. They will forever cherish memories of this kind, loving, generous, Christian, and classy lady.

Visitation will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday evening, February 12, 2014 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday morning, February 14, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Church, 2265 Red Lion Road, Bear, DE 19701, followed by a service to celebrate Arlene’s life at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church at the address listed above or to Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.

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10 Condolences for Arlene Mae deBoer (nee Flick)

  • I always enjoyed talking to Arlene, she was one of my favorite people. I will miss her kind words every Sunday and at Bible Study. God brought home one of the special angels he had here on earth

  • Jamee, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss of your mother.
    My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.

  • Dear Jamee’,
    My heart and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrows and may God give you all strength needed today and tomorrows…. I just adored your mother in all the times I would see her and our little chats and always loved getting a hug and kiss on the check by her! Or how she always would touch my hand or shoulder as she passed by after communion at church. What an Elegant Lady and most Elite! I know the Lord is well pleased with her and we can all learn by her. This write up on her life was just beautiful and love the picture of her, she is a beautiful Lady inside and out! Surely she will be missed by so many….including myself!
    God Bless You and Your Family.
    Love always,
    Terrie Zelano

  • Jamee’ so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I lost my Dad back in the 80’s and Mom in 1996.

    Eloise

  • Never have we been so blessed to know and love such a delightful little lady like our Arlene! She was such a witness to us and every one she met as to what a Christian woman is! We simply loved her dearly!
    She will be, and already is, missed for she has such a warm special place in our hearts!
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jamee’ and family. Love, Doug and Sandi

  • What a wonderful woman and servant! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • I had the please of working with Arlene at CBLH for many years and she was just an absolute wonderful person! A class act all the way!

  • My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family, Jamee, during this very sorrowful time.

    Love,
    Kelly, Lily & Melody Beaumont

  • I worked at CBL&H and being greeted by Arlene every morning was a great way to start the day. She touched many lives and she will be missed.

  • Jamee I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. As you think about her and you fell a little down think about the joy that you, your sons, (her grandsons) and your grandchldren (her great grandchildren) brought to her.

    JImmy