Arlene Filipiak

Arlene Filipiak began her eternal salvation on Sunday, March 28th, when she left the bonds of this world with her family by her side at the age of 84. Arlene was born in Toledo in 1936 to her loving parents Louis and Leona Drozik and had a brother George. She was married to Robert Filipiak until his death in 1969. She had a long and successful career that included positions with Keidan’s Jewelers, the Jewish Board of Education, the City of Toledo, Food Town, St. John’s Elementary School, the Point/Shoreland Journal, the Girls Scout’s Council, Jacobson’s, and was the owner of a beauty salon. She dedicated her life to her four boys Robert, Charles, Kenneth, and James, and her greatest satisfaction and joy in life came from their abundant success and everlasting love for her. She opened her heart to her daughters-in-law Ann, Beverly and Bobbi and thought of them truly as her own. Her grandchildren Charles, Louis, Elizabeth, Sophia, Kenneth, and Kate knew her as Nana, and they became as cherished to her as she was to them - shining lights that made her beam with pride. She made a point of being at every performance, match, and ceremony they participated in. She was a cheerleader at Central Catholic in her youth, but was better know as the greatest cheerleader for the success and aspirations of each and every member of her family. Arlene was known for her sense of style, which began early in life when she was named Miss Toledo. She was out in front of all the latest fashion trends and set the standard for all those around her to follow. She taught her children and grandchildren what it means to look their best, and she was successful. Her style was reflected in her beautifully decorated home, which always revealed her taste in the finer things in life. She had an adventurous spirit and loved her travels to The Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, New York City, Naples, Florida, and many other places she could find the good life with her family and friends. She loved a good cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of wine, preferably California Cabernet, whenever those she loved gathered to enjoy life. She loved music her entire life, from polkas on Sunday morning, to Tony Bennett any time off day, but most especially when her sons, grandsons, and granddaughters performed live. She was a great dancer, a dance teacher, an accomplished pianist, a wonderful cook in the Polish and Hungarian traditions, and the life of every party. She loved her dogs throughout life, including Lorenzo, Mack, Kita, Pearl, Otis, and Sweet Marie. Arlene was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She was a modern woman before the term was coined. She suffered the loss of her husband at a young age, but never let that get in the way of carving out a grand life for her family. She worked hard, struggled often, refused to compromise on how her children would be raised, laughed and lived along the way, and always found a way to make the best life for her children and grandchildren. She lived life on her own terms, and she leaves us the same way. God has a special place set aside for her, and by now it is looking a little more chic. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Francis De Sales High School, 2323 W. Bancroft St., Toledo Ohio 43607.

Arlene Filipiak

March 28, 2021