SOUTH HADLEY – Arleen A. Lussier, 72, passed away peacefully on Monday December 9, 2024 at the Fisher Home in Amherst after a stoic battle with cancer.  She was born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Mary (Donoghue) and Leo Lussier.

Arleen worked as an executive assistant at Sealed Air Corp. for many years and recently as a blood donation coordinator at the Red Cross.

Arleen had a passion for cooking and enjoyed feeding her friends and family.  Perhaps she measured her love of others by the quantity of delicious food she prepared for them.  She'd often prepare several pounds of food per person for each meal.  Everyone went home not only with full bellies, but with full Tupperware containers.

Arleen was a kind and loving mother and lifelong advocate for her children.  She was a parent member of the Dept. of Developmental Services, volunteering her time to ensure that her disabled son, Greg, received the best care. She would visit Greg often at his group home, bringing him home-cooked meals.

Arleen was proud of her Irish heritage and no Saint Patrick's day with the family was complete without her famous corned beef and cabbage dinner.  She was an active member of the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield.  Not long before her passing, and perhaps with the blessing of Saint Brigid, Arleen achieved her life goal of a trip to Ireland.

While news of her diagnosis and passing comes as a surprise to many, Arleen never wanted others to worry about her and instead chose to keep her struggle private.

She is predeceased by her siblings; Roland, Roger, Jacqueline and Jeanette. Arleen leaves behind her three children; Lisa Weinstein and Husband Erich of Nashua, NH, Greg Lusczynski of West Springfield and Jeff Lusczynski of Chicopee, her sister, Linda, her partner Ed Nawkson, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held for Arleen at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St. S. Hadley, MA on Wednesday 12/18 from 9-10:20 am. Following the calling hours, a funeral mass will take place at St. Rose De Lima Church at 11 am. Burial to follow in St. Rose De Lima Cemetery. For more information please visit obrienfamilyfh.com