Remembering Arlene H. Emel, 1938-2025

Family and friends are remembering Arlene Emel, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Arlene Hazel (Harrington) Emel lost her battle with Lewy Body dementia on June 27, 2025.

Born June 29, 1938 at Fort Jay on Governor’s Island, New York, Arlene spent her childhood as an Army brat crisscrossing the country at least 3 times by train. After her family settled in Seattle, she attended Ballard High School, graduating in 1956.

In August 1959, Arlene married Harold Emel, which began a 66-year-long loving marriage that produced 4 children (Michele, Kathleen, Jessica, and Thomas). When those children were grown, Arlene and Harold adopted Jessica Nicole for a grand total of 5 children, followed by 4 grandchildren (Cory, Xavier, Haley, and Josh) and 3 great-grandchildren (Litha, Thomas, and Elodie).

Arlene and Harold lived in West Seattle from 1960-1978.

Arlene loved roller-skate dancing and even dabbled in roller derby. She spent 50 years in Girl Scouts and over 20 years as a foster parent along with her husband Harold. Arlene’s Catholic faith played a huge role in her life of service to family, friends, community and Church. Arlene’s service touched many lives and we are better for knowing her.

Eternal rest grant unto her soul and may perpetual light shine upon her.

In Arlene’s honor, please send donations to the Silver Sage Girl Scout Council: girlscouts-ssc.org
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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