Arlene McDonagh Ronan, 84, of Milford, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2017.  She was born on February 8, 1933 in Bridgeport.  Her parents were Patrick McDonagh and stepmother Lillian McDonagh.   She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John J. Ronan, also from Bridgeport; her four children, Kevin (Lori) Ronan , Ryan (Jeena) Ronan , MaryEllen (Geoff) Knotwell  and Elizabeth (Chris) Duryea ; and her three grandsons, Nicholas Ronan, Geoffrey Knotwell and Trevor Knotwell.  Arlene is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Dick) Kelley, as well as her niece and nephews. 

Arlene graduated from Central High School in 1950 and St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1954.  She worked as a Registered Nurse for many years at Milford Hospital, and later in public health and schools throughout the Milford and Bridgeport area.  Through the years, Arlene was a very dedicated volunteer in many varied endeavors including the Milford P.T.A for over 25 years, the American Red Cross, and both Lauralton Hall in Milford and Notre Dame High School in West Haven where her children attended high school.  Her devotion to community service has been widely recognized and resulted in her receiving many prestigious awards celebrating her commitment to many charitable endeavors.  Among these, she  received Lauralton Hall’s prestigious Claven Award in 1994.  In 2002, she was honored by Bridges Healthcare, Inc., for her contribution to their youth mentoring program where she served as a mentor for many years in the Bridges Across Ages Program for adolescent girls.  In 2004, the Connecticut Post named Arlene as a “Woman of Substance” for her contributions to the mentoring program and other civic accomplishments.  Later that year, Channel 12 named her as a “Hometown Hero” for her dedication to her community.  In 2007, Notre Dame High School (West Haven) inducted her and John at their annual Knights of Honor Award Dinner for their contributions as loyal friends of the school and community. 

In addition to her lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Arlene was a widely celebrated figure in the city of Milford where she and John raised their family.   In 1989, she proudly served as the co-chairwoman with Marion Healy for the city’s 350th celebration parade and historic walk.  She was an active parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Milford, serving as a member and past President of the Ladies Guild, as well as a member of the Parish Council and Liturgy Committee.  Arlene was ordained as a Eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s which was a longstanding goal that she achieved in 2008.  She was also an avid gardener, wonderful cook, dedicated friend to many and beloved wife and mother.  Arlene was kind, loving and a fiercely independent Irish lass who will be greatly missed by all those she touched throughout the years. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 21, at 10:30 a.m. at, St. Mary Church, 70 Gulf Street, Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Milford, CT.  Friends and family may call on Monday, November 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad Street, Milford.  In lieu of flowers, Arlene’s family has requested any memorial donations be made to Bridges Healthcare, Inc., 949 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT, 06460.