Arlene Dunlop, age 48, of Hudson, Wis., left us unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.
She was born on Feb. 23, 1961, in Bayfield, Wis. She married Michael Dunlop in 1980 and divorced in 1994 after moving to Hudson. She spent most of her working life in the waitressing business as she loved to mingle with her customers. Places of employment included The Thunderbird Inn, Clyde’s, Green Mill of Hudson, and finally The Bungalow in Lakeland, Minn.
The initial services were held on Friday, Jan. 15, at the Holy Catholic Church in Bayfield. A second Celebration of Life was held at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson for the hundreds of people she touched in her hometown.
Arlene is survived by her fiancé, Chris Nikola; her son, Brandon (Amanda) Dunlop; her daughter, Brittny (Colin) Dunlop; her parents, Tom and Betty Barningham. Siblings include Mary Kay (Jim) Defoe, Steve Barningham, Kimberly (Fabain) Basina, Teresa (Bernie) Meyers, Susie (Randy) Erickson, Bryan (Kathy) Barningham, Annette (Tim) Barningham, Curt (Diane) Barningham, Brett (Lydia) Barningham, and Denise (Walt) Nemee. Special friends included, but by no means were limited to, Mike and Jodi, Yvonne, Pete and Betty, Steve and Claudia, as well as hundreds of others.
Anyone who knew Arlene, even a little bit, recognized and was drawn to her magnetic energy. Her humor was as unique as the games she liked to play on people. Her desire to entertain you was a universal gift shared by few. You will NEVER be forgotten, Arlene. We humans don't possess the language to put into words the immensity of your impact on those who were fortunate enough to be in your presence.
This is a poem that reflects what Arlene would say to us:
Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints upon the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush, I am the swift upflinging rush.
Of quiet birds, in circling flight; I am the soft star shining at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.
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