Arlene M. Blakely

Arlene was born on Dec. 16, 1930. Her mother was Frieda Grey Westfall and her father was Martin Westfall. Arlene married Grant Bradley in September 1948. Grant passed away in 1971. Arlene married Robert Blakely in September 1982.

Arlene and Grant had five children who survive: Thomas Bradley (Karen) of St. Augustine FL, Paul Bradley (Marge) of Cattaraugus, Jane Botto (Jim) of Cattaraugus, Alfred Bradley (Shelly) of Palm Coast, FL. and Mary Pritchard (Marc) of Cattaraugus. She is also survived by four step-children: Cynthia (Gil) Hint of Lakeview, Candace Kaiser (Jim) of Orchard Park, Kevin Blakely (Penny) of Churchville and Robin Mancuso of Glenwood. Arlene is survived by her sisters, Pauline Gunsolus (Howard) of Cattaraugus and Joyce Hewitt (Albert) of Gowanda. Arlene was predeceased by her brothers, Martin, Emil and Elton Westfall. Arlene is survived by 26 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Besides being a homemaker for her five children, Arlene worked at the East Otto Store, Holiday Valley and for her husband’s business, Starpoint Motors. Arlene is best remembered working for many years at Valentine’s Restaurant (Haus’ Talblick) in Gowanda.

Arlene’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. Arlene loved to travel and spent winters in Florida with her husband Bob at their house in Pine Island, FL. Arlene enjoyed a trip to Hawaii in the 1984, many trips to California and Canada, and several trips to visit her grandchildren in New Hampshire. Arlene was able to travel to Alaska with her daughter and family in 2010, which was her dream.

Arlene enjoyed nature and loved to take walks. She loved to knit and made countless Christmas stockings and Afghans for her children and grandchildren.

Arlene was a devoted member of the East Leon Church for many years. She was an active member of the Cattaraugus Central Alumni.

Calling hours will be at the Mentley Funeral Home Inc. in Gowanda on Sunday, March 18 from 2-6 p.m. The Funeral service will take place on Monday at the East Leon Wesleyan Church on Monday, March 19 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the East Leon Wesleyan Church.