Arlene Ross

Arlene D. (Jopek) Ross, 83, of Dunkirk, passed away suddenly Friday evening, September 19, 2025 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Born in Dunkirk on November 17, 1941, she was the wife of Julian Ross and daughter of the late Edward and Josephine (Banach) Jopek.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Arlene graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1959.

Over the years, Arlene proudly served as a homemaker, dedicating herself to her family and creating a warm and nurturing environment for her loved ones. She found joy in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, cherishing every moment spent together. In addition to her role as a devoted grandmother, Arlene managed the bookkeeping for both her and her husband Julian's rental properties. She also spent a decade as a kitchen assistant at St. Columban's on the Lake Retirement Home.

Her warm personality and genuine spirit connected her with everyone she met, and she had a unique ability to befriend people wherever she and Julian would stop for coffee.

A proud and devout Catholic, Arlene was deeply faithful and truly embodied her beliefs, which guided her in all aspects of her life. Her hobbies included crocheting, reading, and engaging in word puzzles. She found particular joy in watching Hallmark movies.

Arlene was a parishioner of the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Arlene's memory to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation; 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

Surviving Arlene includes her loving husband of 63 years, Julian J. Ross, whom she married on June 9, 1962; loving daughters Donna (Charles) Howlett and Julie (Denny) Wakelee; daughter-in-law Carolyn (Vicari) Ross; grandchildren Christopher "CJ" (Lindsey) Howlett, Nicole Degenfelder, Pamela Ross, Jennifer Ross, Kaitlyn Wakelee, Emily Wakelee, and Allison Wakelee; great-grandchildren Parker and Owen Howlett and Oakley Degenfelder. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Arlene is preceded in death by her son James Ross and infant son Ronald Ross and siblings Edward, Ronald and Donald Jopek.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m. at R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc; 56 E. Doughty St., Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth. Interment will be held privately in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery.