Arlene Gebel

Arlene Gebel, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born on February 25, 1936, in Passaic, NJ, Arlene was the beloved daughter of Otto Frank and Anna Burt Rochelle. In 1956, Arlene married the love of her life, Paul Gebel, embarking on a journey together that spanned 59 years until Paul's passing. Their marriage was one of deep love and mutual respect, filled with the joy of raising their children and the warmth of a large, loving family. Together, they created a life rich with friendships and shared memories. Arlene was also predeceased by her brother, Frank Rochelle, her sister, Thersa Walraff, and granddaughter, Caroline Gebel. Arlene was a devoted mother to her children, Richard (and wife Sue), James Sr., Robert (and wife Deirdre), and Jodi (and husband Jim Adams). Her legacy lives on through her eight grandchildren, James, JJ, Meredith, Cody, Kristen, Dylan, Jacob, and Alexandra, and four great-grandchildren, Joshua, Dakota, Asher, and Shane, who were all blessed to have her as their guiding light. In addition to many nieces and nephews, she also leaves behind Carol Mitschele, her special daughter and caregiver. A lifelong learner and determined spirit, Arlene returned to education later in life and graduated from Centenary College in 1983, one of the oldest alumni to earn a degree. Her achievement was made even more special by the fact that she graduated the same year her daughter Jodi completed high school. Professionally, Arlene dedicated her career to the welfare of others, serving as the assistant director for The State of New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. Her work touched countless lives, and her compassionate nature was evident in every professional endeavor she undertook. Arlene was an active member of The Punta Gorda Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda, FL, where she found community and spiritual fulfillment. She loved boating, playing cards, singing with the church choir and the Charlotte Chorale, and, most importantly, spending cherished time with her family. A service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Kunkletown Pa. home of Jodi and Jim Adams, located at 216 Emily Way. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Arlene to join in remembering a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Arlene's memory to the Dementia Society of America. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Diane Leitch, Arlene's devoted caregiver for the past four years. Diane's unwavering care and friendship provided comfort and dignity to Arlene in her final years, and there are no words sufficient to convey the depth of their appreciation. Arlene will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever remain a guiding light in the hearts of those she touched.