Arlene A. Vadella

Biography

Arlene A. (Swegel) Vadella, 85, of Carbondale, PA., died Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Mercy Hospice, Scranton, PA. She was the wife of Patrick E. Vadella. They were married June 14, 1941.

Born March 20, 1924 in Forest City, PA., she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Anna (Simoles) Swegel.

Together, she and her husband supported the country's efforts in World War II. Shortly after they married, they moved to New Jersey and worked in the defense industry. Arlene worked in the manufacturing of airplane engines and was a key figure in the arrest of an international spy.

Although she left high school to marry, Arlene continued her education as an avid reader and lifelong learner. In 1970, she achieved a major goal in earning her GED and was thrilled to do so together with her son, Patrick, who had just returned from the war in Viet Nam.

Arlene later studied automotive maintenance at the Lackawanna County Career and Technology Center. Arlene and Patrick owned and operated the P & A Dress Manufacturing business in Carbondale for 35 years.
Arlene enjoyed life as the mother of 13, and was extremely proud of her 32 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Known throughout the area as "Ma Vadella" or "Ma V.", she was the adopted mother of countless others who moved freely in and out of the Vadella family household. She opened her home to the friends of her children and offered a meal, advice and/or wisdom in her own subtle way.

This open and welcoming atmosphere in the Vadella family household demonstrated Arlene's commitment to children and to community service. No person who arrived at the door of her home was ever turned away, and all left with more than they had when they arrived. Her spirit of service and generosity was infectious and is exemplified by the following true story:

A homeless man presented himself at the door one day and asked for some food. Arlene packed a bag for the man to take with him on the next train he was to "hop." Later, the man returned to the house to return an orange. He stated that his stomach could not handle the acid in the orange and he did not want it to go to waste.

Rather than focus on the gesture of kindness the man wanted to acknowledge on her part, Mom saw a greater purpose in telling this story. She used it as an example in teaching her children about waste and using what God has provided to us wisely.

Other examples of Arlene's commitment to community service are the years she functioned as a den mother for the Cub Scouts and as member of the Women's Auxiliary to the Cottage Hose Fire Company. She practiced generosity and tolerance of others, regardless of background, race, religion, or ethnicity, long before the latter became fashionable.

Arlene was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. She participated in numerous fundraisers, and volunteered with the RCIA program for many years.

Her primary hobby was supporting the activities of her children and grandchildren. Much of her scant free time found her in attendance at their events or playing games with them at the kitchen table. Still, she and Pat somehow managed to be avid Yankee fans.

She is survived by 13 children: Darlene Bouch and husband James of Hummelstown, PA., Eugene Vadella and wife Clara of Carbondale, PA., Judith Voss and husband Kelvin Goon of Vienna, VA., Patrick K. Vadella and wife Cathy of Harrisburg, PA., Ann Marie Peters and husband Alan of Carbondale, PA., Mary Lou Tomsky and husband Stephen of Greenfield Township, PA., Robert J. Vadella and wife Jean of State College, PA., Carolyn Mrakovich of Carbondale, PA., Thomas Vadella and wife Rose Marie of Carbondale, PA., Joseph Vadella and wife Ann of Carbondale, PA., Michael Vadella and wife Lore of Browndale, PA., Linda Iliff and husband James of Carbondale, PA. and James Vadella and wife Avery of Satellite Beach, FL.; two brothers: Robert V. Swegel of Herrick Center, PA. and Thomas V. Swegel of Coventry, CT.; 32 Grandchildren; 37 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four grandchildren: Patrick Vadella, Jr., Stephen Tomsky, Dina Lynn Vadella and Eugene Victor Vadella; one great grandson: Michael Patrick Vass; two brothers: Joseph E. and Richard J. Swegel.

The funeral was held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:45 AM from the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Farview and 41st Streets, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM in St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church Street, Carbondale, celebrated by Monsignor David L. Tressler, pastor. Entombment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Pallbearers:  James Bouch, Phillip Vass, Jamie Hunter, Danny Vadella, Nicholas Mrakovich, Lonnie Hunter, Patrick Vadella, Jeremy Vadella, Robbie Vadella, Jeffrey Mrakovich, Anthony Vadella and Kevin Lorenzetti -- All Grandsons.

Friends called Friday, February 26, 2010 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Arlene A. Swegel Vadella Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Bank and Trust, 37 Dundaff St., Carbondale, PA 18407. The fund will benefit students from the Carbondale Area and Forest City Regional School districts.