Arlene Elizabeth Dalton

Arlene Elizabeth Dalton, one of the strongest, most dedicated, and heartfelt women, who, although revered by her doctors, nurses, and hospitals for that strength, stopped fighting and passed peacefully on August 5, 2026 at the age of 86. She was surrounded by her loving family.

If Heaven was in need of an organizer—steadfast and industrious—that position has been filled.

Fondly known as “Ms. Skip,” “Aunt Skip,” or simply “Skip,” Arlene was born on April 20, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late John and Dorothy (née Hahn) Smeltz. She was a loving sister to Harold, Doris, Barbara, Danny, and Kevin.

Arlene graduated from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia in 1957. She was always self-driven, independent, and a hard worker. Even from an early age, she was determined to make her own way and take care of those she loved.

One of her first jobs was at Latona Dental, where they made false teeth for the world. It was there that she met Benny. He worked the presses, while Arlene worked her way up from the mailroom to line operator. They fell in love and married in 1961.

Arlene always said it was tough being in an interracial marriage, especially during that time. But they were tough, too. Despite friction from both sides of the family and some neighbors trying to move them out by “fittin’ and firin’,” they stayed. They fought for their love and made a house a home. Together, they had four children whom Arlene dearly adored: Mark, Tracy, Debbie, and Brian. Their family eventually grew to five when they welcomed Arlene’s youngest brother, Kevin, into their home and raised him due to her mother’s illness.

Arlene and Benny faced many hard times, but their toughness is what will always be remembered. In 1976, Benny was told he had months to live. Instead, he lived for another 10 years, with Arlene by his side, taking care of him the best she could while working and still taking care of their family and everything else. At that point, they had been married for 25 years.

Arlene was a devoted mother and, eventually, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. Affectionately known as “Mommom” by her grandchildren and “Mommom the Great” by her great-grandchildren, she always created a warm, safe, fun, and loving environment for her family. When she would get the family together, she could be found in the kitchen cooking, and she was known for her famous seafood salad and “Mommom’s fried chicken.”

Her fondness for holidays, and especially Christmas, meant that her home would be festive, full of wonderful smells and the most incredible food you could imagine. She worked hard, sometimes holding multiple jobs, to ensure there was a tree—and that it had something on it, something under it, and plenty of food, with her children gathered around it. The tradition continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And, of course, “Santa” took the blame for everything!

And, of course, Christmas was just one more reason to relish in her sweets. She loved sweets—oh, and her Dunkin’ and Wawa coffee, which always went with them.

Another home she always made was for animals, mostly dogs and cats. But she had a love for all animals and could sit back and watch birds soar for hours, if there were hours to spare. There was never a time in her children’s lives when there was not a dog or cat in or around the home. They were also her “sweets.”

Arlene’s determination and work ethic continued throughout her life. She taught herself how to do taxes—not the easy kind—and that led to bookkeeping, payroll, and more. She applied her trade to a career with Youth Services in Philadelphia, a nonprofit that still to this day takes care of women and children. She was also recognized as Employee of the Year for her outstanding performance at the agency.

There was a love for numbers inside her that simply burst through at work and continued after retirement. Arlene loved number games, game shows, and especially Sudoku. Arlene was a doer. You could catch her painting her house, doing plumbing and other repairs—heck, even up on the roof fixing holes. If something needed to be done, she figured out how to do it.

Arlene was hardworking, yes, but she was also an affectionate woman, sometimes reluctantly so. Some people never find real love; she found it twice. Once with her husband, and again many years after he passed, she opened the door to her heart to Stanley Peterman—or, as the family likes to think, thankfully, he kicked the door down! Arlene and Stan shared many adventures.

Arlene's trips included the Bahamas and other islands, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as adventures all across this country. But if you were to ask her, she was most comfortable in Atlantic City—or even better, at her best friend Barb’s home and/or beauty salon, with all the girls!

Arlene was a Christian, and she loved the Lord with all of her heart. Denomination did not, and never had, mattered as much to her as her faithfulness to God and her commitment to prayer. Arlene loved to listen to gospel music. A few of her favorite songs and artists included, but were not limited to, “I Won’t Complain” by Reverend Paul Jones; “Do It for Me” and “I Know He’ll Come Through” by Reverend James Cleveland; and “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns.

Arlene’s life was a testament to love, strength, adversity, and a joyful spirit. Her legacy of care and warmth for all of God’s people and creatures will forever endure in the hearts of those who knew her. One of her favorite sayings, which didn’t matter if it was about something good, bad, big, or small, was simply about how she felt in her heart: "THAT'S AMAZING!"

For those who knew and loved Arlene “Skip”—or, as her children lovingly called her, “Sunshine,” “Sweetie Pie,” and “Beautiful”—we know there will never be another quite like her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benny; her brothers, Harold and Danny; her brother, Kevin, and his wife, Gwen; and her sister, Doris.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Barbara; her children, Mark, Tracy, Debbie (Bob Hart), and Brian (Donna); her six grandchildren, Cierra, Tiffany, Brionna (Tamara), BJ, Jessica (James), and Brenden; and her nine great-grandchildren, Dahmir, Nahsir, Donovan, Nevaeh, Jalen, Isaiah, Lorenzo, Azula, and Naivee. She is also survived by her self-adopted daughter, Jametra (Mike); her best friend, Barb Vitucci; and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with services beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA.

Interment private.