Arline Hanfling

Arline Jocelyn Hanfling died peacefully on Thursday, Sept 1st, 2016 in Houston Texas from complications from peripheral neuropathy. Her loving husband of 54 years, Dr. Seymour L Hanfling, predeceased her in 1997. She leaves behind her beloved daughters Suki Hanfling and Barbara Hanfling and son Marcus Hanfling and his wife Patti. She also leaves behind her 5 adored grandchildren, Rachel, Matthew, Hallie, Michael and Joshua. Born in New York City to Jules and Carrie Marcus and raised in Havana, Cuba she became fluent in Spanish. She was an accomplished equestrian and fun loving tennis player. She intermittently lived in Houston during times of turmoil in Cuba. Later in life, Arline and her family were fortunate to make numerous eye-opening trips to Cuba before and after the Revolution. After she graduated from Stephen's Jr. College in Missouri, she met her adoring husband, Sy on a blind date at the Rainbow Room in New York City (NYC). They were life-long residents of South Orange N.J. and were dedicated partners; changing and growing together as they matured. Arline was a warm, loving, sophisticated and beautiful woman. She was very attentive, generous and committed to her family and adored traveling and spending time with them. She had many close friends and valued them highly, giving of herself whenever she could. These enduring friendships included couples with whom she and Sy played bridge, socialized and traveled together. She instilled in her children an enthusiasm and appreciation of music, theatre and the visual arts by often going to NYC for dinners, fabulous shows and museum exhibits. Playing tennis as a family from childhood to the present has always been an important and bonding activity. Arline was an only child and took every opportunity to bring her extended family together at many social occasions. In later years, Sy and Arline often traveled to the 3 coasts to see their children and grandchildren. In her desire to spend as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren, she took them on yearly trips throughout the world. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren; whether it was taking walks, going to the movies or playing games! She was quite gifted artistically as evidenced in her beautiful sculptures that she carved by hand from stone and wood. Arline was asked if she would sell them but always refused, considering them too much a part of herself. She spent hours painstakingly working on her needlepoints to provide each of her children with a masterpiece wall hanging. Over the years, Arline participated in various Jewish organization including the Women's Club at Temple Israel, in South Orange NJ and volunteered for the United Jewish Appeal, Cub Scouts and Brownies. Her children are indebted to the warm, patient and comforting care she received from Hilda Trimble and Sasha Martins. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in support of Alzheimer's research, Planned Parenthood or a charity of your choice.

Arline Hanfling

August 21, 1923 - September 1, 2016