Obituary of Arlene A. Howard

July 26, 1928 – June 17, 2023

On Saturday, June 17th, Arlene Agnus Howard, 94, of Malone, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members. She was born July 26, 1928, at the family home, Howard Farms, in Fort Covington, NY, and was the first daughter of Harold & Edna Westcott Howard of Fort Covington.

Arlene was a descendant of Waldo Howard who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolutionary War. Her ancestors, Howard & Burns, were among the very early settlers of Fort Covington prior to the War of 1812 and Arlene was the 6th generation of her family to live in the town.

Arlene was predeceased by her siblings Carolyn Jean Howard, George Howard, and Richard & Eleanor (sister-in-law) Howard. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marion Howard and Norm Dean of Malone. Arlene will be forever cherished and remembered by her nephews and nieces; Don & Lynette Howard (Florida), Diane & Kirk Tremblay (Westville), Hugh & Jessica Howard (New Hampshire), Beverly & Ralph Schissler (AuSable Forks), Paul Howard & Christine Rousell, and Nicole Howard. Her loving memory also lives on with her grand nieces and nephews; Erika Howard (Florida), Tanya Howard (Boston), Danny Tremblay & Lexi Plattner (Rutland, VT), Krissy Tremblay & Matthew Readon (Westville), Corey & Danni-Ann Tremblay (Ft. Covington), Wyatt Merrill (Plattsburgh), Caleb Howard (NH), Madison Howard (NH), Jayden Howard (NH), Rebecca, and Georgia Howard of Ft. Covington.

Arlene was a graduate of the Fort Covington High School in 1947, and later attended the Adirondack School of Commerce in Malone, NY from the fall of 1947 through 1948. Later in her career she was a graduate of the NYSBA Executive Development School for Bankers at West Point, NY.

She had a very successful career starting with the Clarkson College (Malone Branch) in the accounting / financial records department from 1948 through 1951. On June 25, 1951, Arlene started her banking career with the Farmers National Bank of Malone that eventually merged with Key Bank prior to her retirement of January 1, 1990. During her successful banking career, she held the positions of Teller, Trust Officer, Assistant Vice President, Vice President & Malone Branch Manager. She was also named Franklin County Chairman for the Women’s Committee of NYS Bankers Association and appointed as a Trustee to the Ray Totman & ILDAH Totman Medical Research Trust, a position she held until her death.

Throughout her entire life Arlene had numerous interests, hobbies, and activities she was passionately involved with as an Equestrian show-women, horse owner, and an avid golfer (hole in one – August 30, 2006). She was an active member of several associated organizations such as Franklin County Trail Riders (Secretary & Treasurer), American Quarter Horse Assoc., Adult Riding Team of St. Lawrence University, Westville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, Alice Hyde Medical Center Auxiliary, Women of the Elks of Malone, Franklin County Fair Association, and the Malone Golf & Country Club.

Additionally, Arlene was a very active member of the community supporting several charities & organizations such as being an active member for numerous years of The Malone Kiwanis (first women President), the Malone Elks Club (14 years), Franklin County Humane Society(Treasurer), Tru North Federal Credit Union (Supervisory Committee – 19 years), Franklin County Fair Nominating Committee, and acted as Franklin County Fair Parade Marshall for many years. In addition, Arlene always enjoyed dining and socializing with her many friends, going to the local Casino, and hosting weekly Mexican Train Domino tournaments (Domino Gang) during the winter months.

Arlene was a past member of the Malone Centenary United Methodist Church, where she held the position of Treasurer for 8 years and was a current member of the St. Dismas Village Church of Malone.

Services will be held at Bruso Desnoyers in Malone on Friday, June 23rd, calling hours are 10:00 am to 11:45 am. Funeral at 12:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Dismas Village Church of Malone or The Elks Lodge of Malone.