Arline K. Rich, of Middletown, died on July 20. She lived a long and fulfilling life. Arline grew up in Hartford, the daughter of the late George Kaiser and Anne Kaiser Sabonis, and was predeceased by a younger sister and her late husband, Arthur Rich. She lived in Middletown since the early 1970s.
Arline was an adventurous and courageous person who cared deeply about many philanthropic and community causes including the Forest & Park Association, Audubon Society, the Humane Society, Animal Rescue, the Connecticut Botanic Society and Earth Matters. On a local level she was a "regular" at most inland wetlands and planning and zoning commission meetings. Arline was also an active member of both the Third Congregational Church of Middletown and South Congregational Church of Hartford. She was vice president of the Third Congregational Church Ladies' Aide Society and she was active in the Partnership for Sharing, which puts on dinners for the community.
Arline began her diverse career as a window dresser; she became a radio engineer and served as copy chief for two NBC affiliates, channel 30 and 22. She went on to pursue her interest in art design and photography and became vice chair of the Photographic Society of America and served as vice president of the New England Camera Club Council. She served on the Thomas G. Smith Memorial Park building committee and as president of the Southern New England Woman's Golf Association. Arline was a founder of the Annual Woman's Golf Tournament Championship.
Arline was a mighty public servant who took stands on behalf of the citizens of Middletown on many issues. While not a political person, Arline cared deeply about good government and the democratic process and she was well-known for being a watchdog. For over 17 years, she served as a civic-minded member of the Westfield Residents Association, Middletown's largest and Connecticut's longest standing neighborhood association, and served as its chairperson for 10 years.
Arline will be sorely missed by loving friends Lois, Ann, Carolann, Cathy and her church families. A celebration of her life will be held at the Third Congregational Church on 94 Miner Street, Middletown on Saturday, July 28 at 11 a.m. with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111 or to the American Cancer Society .
Please sign the Guest Book at RememberingCT.us/middletownpress.
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