Arlene Diane Spagnoli, 76, of The Ponds in Monroe Township, passed away peacefully at her son's home on December 2, 2019.   She was born in 1943, in Bronx, NY, to Harry and Sadie Kraus.  She was the youngest of three children, and enjoyed her childhood in Newark with two beloved brothers, Morton and Leonard.  Arlene's paternal Aunt Ceil, and Ceil's husband Harry, were significant loved ones in Arlene's life and were devoted to Arlene throughout her childhood and young adult life.

Arlene graduated from Newark's Weequahic High School and later married Joseph Spagnoli, with whom she had her son, Eric Spagnoli.  The family relocated to Edison, where Arlene remained a long time resident after her divorce in 1978.

Arlene loved to cook and taught Chinese cooking before working as a Travel Agent with Key Travel in Scotch Plains for many years.

She was a fierce Mama Bear and a true and loyal friend.  Arlene easily made and nurtured friendships throughout the whole of her life.  Her friends from SuCasa stayed in touch, vacationed, and celebrated holidays with each other for over twenty years.  Later in life some of Arlene's sweetest friendships were made when she retired and joined the residents of The Ponds in Monroe.

Arlene was an explorer at heart and traveled the world well into her seventies.  A snapshot of her travel adventures includes America's wondrous national parks, Egypt's majestic pyramids, Iceland's geothermic landscapes, and cruising China's Yangtze River.  All with good friends by her side.

Still, there was no jewel or travel experience more precious to Arlene than her son, Eric.  Well, at least not until her granddaughters arrived.

In her last decade on this Earth, Arlene enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her two grandchildren.  She was a generous and kind Nana, giving the gifts of her time, patience and unconditional love above all else.  She leaves behind two granddaughters filled with joyful memories of board games, puzzles, movie dates, nail polish parties, sleepovers, Qdoba with Nana, and of course Nana's famous flourless chocolate cake.

Arlene was predeceased by her brother Morton. She is survived by her son Eric and his wife Melissa of Scotch Plains, grandchildren Shyla and Lauren, and her brother Leonard Kraus.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home 23 Ford Avenue, Fords.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society in Arlene's name at cancer.org.