Arlene M. Sweeney

I worked with Arlene seven and a half years. Sometime we disagreed, but she forgave quickly. Arlene was very personable and would always ask how you were doing, how your family was doing. She had very good fashion tastes and I would laugh at her do's and don't of fashion etiquette. She was quick with her humor and would not hesitate to give you a clever one liner and make you laugh. She alleviated issues with the residents at Freedom

I worked with Arlene seven and a half years. Sometime we disagreed, but she forgave quickly. Arlene was very personable and would always ask how you were doing, how your family was doing. She had very good fashion tastes and I would laugh at her do's and don't of fashion etiquette. She was quick with her humor and would not hesitate to give you a clever one liner and make you laugh. She alleviated issues with the residents at Freedom Village by taking the time to talk to them and smooth over their concerns. With her and Paul, we achieved the highest guest satisfaction in the company in 05/06.

I called Arlene a few times after I had left FV. She was always happy to talk. Arlene was classy and gracious and a lot of people could learn from her. I will miss her.

Arlene you will be missed. It was lovely to have had you in my life. Thank you for all the memories

Arlene was such a sweet lady. She was really like a grandmother to me. When I was pregnant with my daughter she was always so concerned about me and so loving, always making sure I could handle another day at work. She always told me I think everyday since my belly started showing that I was for sure having twins. She had me convinced of it a couple of times. She loved her cats. She treated them as her children

Arlene was such a sweet lady. She was really like a grandmother to me. When I was pregnant with my daughter she was always so concerned about me and so loving, always making sure I could handle another day at work. She always told me I think everyday since my belly started showing that I was for sure having twins. She had me convinced of it a couple of times. She loved her cats. She treated them as her children and was so passionate about them. I will miss her dearly and send my condolences to the family of this truly remarkable woman.

I look back with such gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with Arlene at FVH. She was a firm manager with the kindest heart, and when you took the time to get to know her, you were blessed to have done so. She knew what needed to be done and made sure that it was, but always with a joke or laugh. I remember fondly the holiday dinners when we would sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal together

I look back with such gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with Arlene at FVH. She was a firm manager with the kindest heart, and when you took the time to get to know her, you were blessed to have done so. She knew what needed to be done and made sure that it was, but always with a joke or laugh. I remember fondly the holiday dinners when we would sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal together telling stories and sharing laughs. But mostly I'll remember the care and concern she had for each of us, whether while still working there or many years later, always taking the time to ask how I was doing, what was going on in life, and offering compassion and understanding. Truly a blessing.

The first day I met Arlene was when she walked into our trailer/office and the bulldozers lumbered by as they were busy building Freedom Village. I could tell the minute she walked in, that she was totally out of her element - being on a construction site! I still smile thinking of her with a hardhat on. We had so many laughs those first years working together. The fashion police will never be the same without her sense of style~

The first day I met Arlene was when she walked into our trailer/office and the bulldozers lumbered by as they were busy building Freedom Village. I could tell the minute she walked in, that she was totally out of her element - being on a construction site! I still smile thinking of her with a hardhat on. We had so many laughs those first years working together. The fashion police will never be the same without her sense of style~ Lunches downtown with the "originals" were always more fun with the stories Arlene told. She loved working with Paul and her "kids". I will miss my dear friend so very much.

For 15 years, Arlene and I shared an office. During that time I have learned the value of soft light!. Daily Arlene and I would bicker about the lighting in the office. If she had her way it would have been candle light at all times as she said it made her look good and invited more people to come into the office. We compromised with table lamps and light difusers in the ceiling lights to make it welcoming. 'Course

For 15 years, Arlene and I shared an office. During that time I have learned the value of soft light!. Daily Arlene and I would bicker about the lighting in the office. If she had her way it would have been candle light at all times as she said it made her look good and invited more people to come into the office. We compromised with table lamps and light difusers in the ceiling lights to make it welcoming. 'Course the candles did find there way into all the dining rooms and special events that she did at work. Now please keep in mind that we did have many small incidents of fire over the years :) I can't tell you how many menus burned, napkins and bread baskets singed and the most interesting was when a women accidently put her napkin in a candle while at the buffet and she walked obliviously away with a little fire in her hand. I had never seen Arlene move so fast. All in the name of creating great experiences for all who dined where she was in charge. 'Of course there was that one day when I was mowing my grandmothers lawn across 4th street from FVH and I heard a splat on the road. Didn't think anything of it. Couple minutes later more splats. Walked over to investigate and there is Arlene and Brad Fries hanging out of the 6th fl dining room windows with a waterballoon launcher trying to hit me. Glad they had bad aim and the Dutch Room Windows didn't open and they had to use the Garden Room. I won't even go into the office in the elevator and the server coat room full of fresh fish heads hanging from the ceiling . Lets not even mention putting Cheryls office above the ceiling tiles and a toilet in the HR office when the hr dir was expecting her 2nd child and was always excusing herself to the bathroom. :) Most of all I really learned to appreciate the mantra Less is More! She wasn't part of the fashion police for nothing. She had a wildly wicked sense of humor with over done things and people! I will miss those wild talks and fun times! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. When ever we were at the Mansion together you always drove us by Lake MI and pointed out your piece of Lake Shore property. You finally get to enjoy your lake view! Here's to you!

Arlene was quite the lady! I had the privilege of working with her at Freedom Village. She knew how to keep her workers in line all while making it an enjoyable experience! My fondest memory of her is waddling down the hall with a cup of ice in one hand and mushrooms in the other while yelling "PPPREEE MEEAALL!" From time to time this shout out is still used always leaving the servers with nothing but laughter and smiles. “The

Arlene was quite the lady! I had the privilege of working with her at Freedom Village. She knew how to keep her workers in line all while making it an enjoyable experience! My fondest memory of her is waddling down the hall with a cup of ice in one hand and mushrooms in the other while yelling "PPPREEE MEEAALL!" From time to time this shout out is still used always leaving the servers with nothing but laughter and smiles. “The Arlene Fold” is another pleasant reminder of the type of work ethic that she has left us with. My God bring peace and comfort to your family in times like these. Arlene you are loved and will be missed.

My fondest memory of Arlene was having the prevledge of working with her at Freedom Village for many years. Her kind heart and generousity towards everyone, especially teenagers showed through daily. I will cherish the time we had and will miss her dearly. My sympathy go to the family, my God comfort you at this time and always.
Joyce Jasch

A few memories I have of Arlene...

She interviewed me at Freedom Village.

How she used to crunch ice all the time.

How she used to carry on conversations with her fish.

I don't remember the song, but our dance in the Auditorium on what I think was New Years Eve. Then our Freedom Follies performance of I will survive.

How she ran into the Large Private dining room when the bat was fling around the Dining Rooms.

Plotting to hide Paul's Mr. Coffee statue, and

A few memories I have of Arlene...

She interviewed me at Freedom Village.

How she used to crunch ice all the time.

How she used to carry on conversations with her fish.

I don't remember the song, but our dance in the Auditorium on what I think was New Years Eve. Then our Freedom Follies performance of I will survive.

How she ran into the Large Private dining room when the bat was fling around the Dining Rooms.

Plotting to hide Paul's Mr. Coffee statue, and hold it for ransom.

Saran wrapping Paul's chair and desk.

Holiday decorating for the dining rooms.

"Pre-Meal!"

Going to her house to help her with her computer/little chores, and seeing her cat for the first time. He is huge.

Helping her bra shop online when she couldn't figure out how.

Arranging flowers for Sunday brunch.

Our little pep talks about life.

There are more, but I think that's enough for now...We'll miss you Arlene.

I remember the most about her is she was a hard work and hearing her yell " Prreeeee Meeeeeaallllll!!!!!!! Dutch Room Now!"
working for her was a very period in my life.