Arlene Mulleavey

NORTH WOODSTOCK --- Arlene Violet (Foley) Mulleavey of North Woodstock, NH, passed away at the age of 93 on December 30, 2025 following a brief illness. Arlene was born in Lincoln, NH on August 4, 1932, the first of identical twin girls and of the five girls born to Leo and Corinne (Violette) Foley. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950, with her classmates describing her as "talkative, full of originality and always cheerful." Arlene was a life-long resident of the Lincoln and Woodstock area, a community that she loved dearly.

In addition to her more than full-time role as a mom to seven, Arlene worked at Woodward's Restaurant and Motor Inn for 35 years, first as a server and then ending her career as a front desk clerk. While at Woodward's Arlene made lasting friendships with co-workers and guests. She served as a mentor for many Lin-Wood students entering restaurant work. She led by example and guided by offering words of wisdom and sharing lessons learned. One piece of advice was "to make every step count" - a true-life lesson. Arlene had a strong work ethic, which she instilled in her children.

Arlene's true north was her family. She treasured the time that she spent with family. No matter the adventure, she was up for it! Arlene loved having her home as the gathering place for friends and family. She also enjoyed time spent at the Thorton Gore camp on Johnson Brook - sitting by the campfire, listening to the brook, and joining in on games. Arlene took great pride in her home, enjoying its peaceful surroundings. She found great pleasure in gardening, trimming trees, feeding the birds, and breathing in the fresh northern NH air.

Arlene is predeceased by her husband, Joseph "Joe" Mulleavey; her daughters, Denise (Sawyer) Ordzie and Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, who died at birth; her great-grandson, Sawyer Taylor; her twin sister, Eileen Branch; her parents, Leo and Corinne Foley; and her brother-in-laws, Ed Branch and Rene Arsenault. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Derek (Debbie) Sawyer, Paula (Tom) Over, Sara Sawyer (Regina Mattrella), Kenneth (Lynne) Mulleavey, Leo (Tina) Mulleavey, and Joseph (Beth) Mulleavey; thirteen grandchildren (Derek, Lindsay, Jason, Quinten, Christopher, Corinne, Kate, Meagan, Emily, Nathan, Jessica, Jacob and Abbigail); nineteen great-grandchildren; ten great, great grandchildren; and her sisters, Shirley Mayhew (Murdock Mayhew), Joyce Arsenault, and Sally Foley. She also leaves behind a special person, Laurel Pierce, whose care and friendship helped Arlene remain in the home that she loved until her passing.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 15, 2025, at St. Joseph's Church in Lincoln, NH . A graveside service will be held in the Spring at Riverside Cemetery in Lincoln, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Linwood Friends of Recreation, PO Box 1172, Lincoln, NH 03251.