Arlene Helen (Nickelson) Bisesi, 82, born May 4th,1940 in Pittsburgh, PA passed on to greener pastures the evening of July 12th, 2022, surrounded by her family and enveloped in love. Her deep spiritual faith, and close adoration felt for the Virgin Mary comforted and protected her as she journeyed through life and into eternal rest. Arlene’s bright spirit and electric energy will be greatly missed.
Arlene was a fearless adventurer and truly lived life to the fullest. She cherished spending time with her family and enjoyed her eclectic array of friends. She was a devoted mother, and grandmother and was especially proud to have attended the birth of nearly all 11 grandchildren. Her family witnessed her deep love of animals, compassionately rescuing numerous cats and dogs over the years and giving them a safe home. Arlene had a myriad of jobs, starting out as a fashion model in her twenties. She was also a talented artist, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, from the Cleveland Institute of Art, while she raised her beloved five children. Her artistic passions ranged through an array of mediums, but she was especially talented in abstract painting. She maintained an art studio for many years in Cleveland, Ohio, and created a custom line of fashion pins in the 80’s.
As a world traveler, she organized elaborate trips before the age of the internet, through her meticulous research. Her sense of adventure, independent free spirit, and courage also led her to live in interesting places such as Lily Dale, New York, where she owned a gift shop called Studio 206, and then later retired to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for 17 years.
She was highly creative and enjoyed the arts. Her artwork is impressive, and her knowledge of art, literature, music, and history was a testament to her brilliance and lifelong commitment to learning.
As an avid foodie, Arlene loved to explore different ethnic restaurants and also cook unique dishes for her family and friends. She left all of her recipes for her family to enjoy, organized by type of food and occassion.
Arlene was incredibly classy, sophisticated, and strong. She traveled to the beat of her own drum and accepted everyone for who they were. The impression she made will forever ripple throughout those who knew and loved her.
In a word, she was the coolest.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Margaret Nickelson, and son John Schraepfer.She is survived by her four daughters, Sherry Schraepfer, Michelle Harrell (Bill), Celeste Mueller (Tim) and Justine Bisesi (Samir Farsane) and 11 grandchildren, Michael Schraepfer, James Schraepfer, Joseph Schraepfer, Bridget Schraepfer, Jacob Greene, Nicholas Schraepfer, Brett Greene, Dylan Tober, Ryan Tober, Laila Farsane, Camilia Farsane.
A mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church Tuesday, July 19th at 11:00 am in Seminole, Florida. A celebration of life reception will follow.
