Arlene Marie Donnelly

Arlene Marie (Gorenz) Donnelly, age 71, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on April 25th, 2026.

Arlene was born on October 3rd, 1954, in Chicago to Ruth (Silingo) and Edward Gorenz. She moved to Alsip where she spent the rest of her childhood with four younger siblings, Diana, Edward, Andy, and Terri. She met her “sweetheart” in the fourth grade and married James Joseph Donnelly on October 9, 1970, at the age of 16.

They began their life adventure in South Haven, Michigan, and then moved to Mokena, then Peotone, and ending in Manteno. Over the years, Arlene worked hard to care for her family. She loved animals and was best known as a dog groomer. She had clients that followed her wherever she was because no one cared for their pet like Arlene. This led to her having her own business, “Grooming by Arlene”

Arlen was a devoted mother to Jim, Angela, Timothy, and Melanie. Her love for her children was apparent through the time she poured into their activities and their lives. She opened her home to all of her children’s friends and acquired her “other son” Eric. However, Arlene’s greatest joy was her eight grandchildren. Her ability to be everywhere as a grandparent was superhuman. Whether it was band concerts, dance recitals, sports games, or graduations, she would be the first one there to support her babies.

Arlene lived her life with a profound faith in God. In fact, her faith came so naturally to her that it made others want to believe. People were drawn to Arlene because she made them feel seen and loved. Anyone could walk through her door and share all of their troubles. She would offer them whatever she had to lighten their burden and they would be added to her prayer list.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her five children, Jimmy Donnelly (Marcos), Angela Meaney (Peter), Eric Long, Timothy Donnelly (Kelly), and Melanie Lane (Chris); her eight grandchildren, Morgan, Shannon, Caitlin, Leah, Nora, Aiden, Avery, and Brady; and her sister Terri Wippo (Bob). She was preceded in death by her father, Edward, mother Ruth, sister Diana, and brothers, Edward and Andy.

A visitation for Arlene will be at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home in Peotone on Thursday, May 7th from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Maneno on Friday, May 8th from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Uplifted Care Hospice at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1411477/

Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com