- Date Of Birth: May 7, 1929
- Date Of Death: December 21, 2020
- State: Michigan
Arlene Ruth Triestram passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 21, 2020 with her loving family by her side. She was born May 7, 1929, in Battle Creek, MI the daughter of Virgil R. and Velma C. (Bedford) Andrews.
Arlene had a wonderful childhood growing up in Augusta, Michigan. One of her favorite memories was riding with her father in his tow truck on service calls. She made many friends at school and enjoyed attending many class reunions over the years.
Arlene pursued an art degree at Western Michigan University, she was an accomplished pianist. She was employed at Atlas Press Company for 5 years. Arlene met the love of her life and was united in marriage to John J. Triestram on September 15, 1951. They were married for 63 years. The couple owned and operated Triestram’s City Drug where Arlene helped with the business.
Arlene loved to travel and visited Italy, The Bahamas and Hawaii with her husband. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations throughout the United States. At the age of 90, she took her family on a memorable vacation to Hawaii.
Arlene was a member of East Main United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and played the piano for the children’s choir. After transferring membership to First United Methodist Church in downtown Kalamazoo, Arlene served on the Caring Committee and made home visits. Arlene also served a term as president of The Women’s Pharmacy Auxiliary.
She looked forward to and enjoyed the family coming over every Sunday for dinner. Arlene had a smile that lit up a room and had a wonderful disposition. Even after suffering a stroke 11 years ago that left her wheelchair bound, she did not let that affect her positive attitude.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Triestram, on May 1, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Stuart Gary. Arlene is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Candice and Kenneth McCann of Richland, and Sherry and James Willis of Kalamazoo; her beloved grandson, Jonathan Triestram Willis; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
