Devoted to her large family, she was a fantastic cook and thoughtful neighbor
NORTH READING — Arline Lumb-Garlington (nee Hoyt), of North Reading, passed away in her home in the care of her devoted family on March 20, 2022 at the age of 88. Born in Stoneham on April 29, 1933, she was predeceased by her first husband, Dave Lumb.
The eldest of 10 children, Arline was a devoted sister, helping to raise her nine siblings, and continuing to be known as the “mother hen” throughout her life. Arline was “info central” of the family and could be depended on to know important dates and addresses, a fact that only makes sense considering Arline began her career as one of North Reading’s original switchboard operators. Later, she worked nights as a billing clerk in various trucking companies while she raised her four children.
After Dave’s passing in 1992, Arline wed Chuck Garlington in 2000. Throughout their 22 years of marriage, she introduced Chuck to cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and Chuck attempted to keep up with her during multiple 20-mile Walks for Hunger. Arline brought happiness, sunshine, and the light of Christ to Chuck’s life and for that he will be forever thankful.
Arline will be remembered as a fantastic cook and avid recipe collector who loved trying new recipes, especially those from her Polish heritage. The cookie jar was always full at Arline’s house, filled to the brim with homemade treats and cookies. She was a member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading for 50 years, volunteering her time to deliver flowers to community members and pose as Mrs. Claus for Christmas photos.
Arline loved the ocean in Maine and annual apple picking picnics with her family. She enjoyed wearing hats even before she became a member of the Red Hat Society, and she was a thoughtful, caring neighbor and a faithful friend.
Arline is survived by her husband, Charles Garlington; her children, Sharon Johnson and her husband, Steve, of Tucson, Ariz.; Thomas Lumb and his wife, Denise, of North Reading; Kim Johnson of Tewksbury; and Dave Lumb and his wife, Syndie, of North Reading. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stacy, T.J., Tim, Jeff, Brad, and Keith; and her great-grandchildren, Cory and Blake.
Visitation was held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, on Friday, March 25. Her funeral was held on Saturday, March 26. at the Union Congregational Church, North Reading.
Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Arline’s memory, https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate.
