Arlene Katsanos

Arlene Mae Katsanos, 85, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, November 29th 2017, at Banner Estrella Hospital from complications from leukemia. She leaves behind her wonderful husband of 64 years, Florido “the Silver Fox” Katsanos, her loving daughter Denise and son Kris, along with three beautiful granddaughters Kelly Cazaux, Brianna Kauble and Carrie Smirti. She is survived by her five great-grandchildren Brylee, Harper, Lydia, Alexander and Maximus as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Born in Columbia, New Hampshire on November 27 1932, she spent the majority of her life in the state. During her youth she was a model for the women’s fashion store Kimballs and became an avid dancer, a passion which lasted her entire life. She met her husband at a high school dance where he asked her to foxtrot. She declined, due to his forwardness and charm. He persisted, and eventually won his dance. The two became high school sweethearts, and were married on April 26th 1953. While raising her two children, she worked in the cafeteria of the Greenland Central School in New Hampshire, where she turned a love of cooking into a passion for helping children. She furthered this love as a foster mother to two children. In 1980, her family moved to the Philippines where Flo served as a Navy Civilian Foreman. While living in the Philippines, she travelled extensively and enjoyed South Asian culture. Upon their return to New Hampshire five years later, she worked at Exeter Banking before retiring to Sun City West, AZ in 1992. Enjoying their retirement, Arlene and Florido loved to golf and dance. She performed regularly in several variety shows, making amazing friends along the way. Her zest for life was undeniable, along with her sass. Everyone who knew Arlene was touched by her kindness and warmth. With her family spread across the country, she enjoyed nothing more than having everyone under the same roof during the holidays. She cherished her family, and the feeling was mutual. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m., at the Menke Funeral Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave, Sun City.