CAMDEN — Arlene Charlotte (Grey) Moody, 81, died December 11, 2018 at the Knox Center for Long Term Care, with her son and granddaughter at her side.

Born in Camden January 17, 1937, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Mabel (Draper) Grey. Arlene would say that she was born in a snow bank and has been cold ever since. Arlene was a graduate of Rockport High School. She married James R. Moody on April 11, 1956.

Arlene was one of those people that you could always count on to bring her warmth and kindness to every day life. She was a caring soul who put others first. Arlene valued her family above all else. She was an active and involved mother. She was the family barber, activities director, and cheerleader. Arlene worked on community suppers with Mrs. French, cleaned cottages with her mother, was a den mother for the cub scouts, hosted family events, all while raising four boys.

Arlene was carpenter’s assistant to her husband, Jim, when they built their house in Appleton to be close to and take care of her mother.

Arlene had a green thumb and spent hours maintaining her gardens. She was quick to share her bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. Arlene found her second family working as a “lunch lady” at the local school for over thirty years. The women in the kitchen became very close and like a family they celebrated together and took trips together. Even as they retired they stayed in touch and continued to get together. Arlene was very touched when former students would stop her, when she was out in public, to thank her for all the lunches they had enjoyed while in school. 

Arlene had a long, slow decline in cognition over the last 10 years from Alzheimer’s, a disease that had taken her mother from her, as well. Dementia is a terrible disease that robs you of your loved ones twice. It was sometimes hard to think that she was the same person; how much of yourself do you lose before you are no longer you?

Even as Arlene lost her way in this world she never lost that part of her that was kind, caring, and a little mischievous. She still loved hugs, kisses, warm hands, and being with a kind person. 

Arlene passed while listening to her great-grandson’s band concert, one of her favorite things to do, even after she began to disappear. It is comforting to know that she is no longer lost, but is with her mother, father, and husband, whom she has been searching for.

She is survived by her four sons, David Moody and his wife, Paula, of  Rockport; Wayne Moody and his wife, Amy, of Warren; Larry Moody and his wife, Anissa, of Montville; Kevin Moody and his significant other, Robin Vultee, of Rockport; 11 grandchildren, Kate Marchessault and her husband, David, of Thomaston; Brian Moody and his wife, Brittany, of Appleton; Tobey Moody, of Hope; Josh Moody, of Westbrook; Brandon Moody and his wife, Allison, of Union; Crista Moody, of St George; Kyle Moody and his wife, Danielle, of Appleton; Casey Gammon and her husband, Willis, of Warren; Amanda Poland and her  husband, Luke, of Cushing; Janelle Blake and her husband, Joshua, of Union; Erik Moody, of Lincolnville; 17 great-grandchildren; Brady and Alayna Marchessault, of Thomaston; Mason Moody, of Appleton; Sydney and Ethan Moody, of Hope; Brooklyn and Natalie Moody, of Union; Alli Marie Moody, of Appleton; Ryder and Harrison Gammon, of Warren; Blane and Dylan Poland, of Cushing; Joshua, Julianna, and Jillian Blake, of Union; Eli Moody, of Bath; Cayden Moody, of Auburn. 

She is also survived by two sisters; Judy Dinsmore, of Camden, Thelma Dean and her husband, Cary, of Warren; several nieces and nephews, including Janet Bennett and her husband, Ronnie, who were their family, friends, and neighbors.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Jim Moody, and her daughter-in-law, Diane Moody.

Arlene enjoyed participating in activities, especially if it involved music and dancing with her favorite partner, Cathy. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Knox Center’s Activity Fund, 6 White St, Rockland, ME 04841. Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with the Moody family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

A spring graveside service for all friends and family will be announced.  Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.