Arlene Louise Nickell

Arlene Louise Nickell, born Arlene Louise Blanchard, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 21, 2020 at the young age of 61. She was born June 18, 1959 in Columbus, Ohio to Elizabeth Anne Blanchard and William Robert McDonley. At a young age, Arlene answered the call to serve our Nation, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. She served for seven years as a Production Control Specialist and as a Heating Systems Specialist, earning the rank of Sergeant. Her awards included the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service with the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Later, she worked at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of New York State, tending to the requirements of special needs students. Most recently, Arlene was an office manager at Arrow American Pest Control of White Plains, MD often filling the office with laughter and kindness. In her spare time, Arlene most enjoyed cooking, painting, playing word games, and reading. She was also an avid quilter and seamstress, most recently making over 300 masks for the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home. She served as a volunteer at poker runs for Vacation 4 Vets and made wreaths for charity. Arlene also volunteered with the Charles County Literacy Council and frequently donated to St. Jude. Arlene loved helping others. Near the time of her death, she was surrounded by family holding her hands telling her that she was loved and that everything would be okay. Arlene joins her grandmother, Blanchard, and brother, Butch, who preceded her. She is survived by her two sons, Matthew and Donald; her brother, Dave; her sisters, Angie and Rita; her grandchildren, Nichole, Camden, and Aiden; her great-grandson, Nolan; her in-laws, Roger, Shanice, Autumn, John, Ellen, Jimmy, and John; her many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many, many friends. All of these she loved deeply. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name and memory, Arlene L. Nickell, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/ For those grieving, we find solace in John 14:1-3. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Arlene Louise Nickell

June 18, 1959 - June 21, 2020