Obituary of Arlene Engle

Arlene Engle of Somers and Katonah, NY, died Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at Ridgefield Station at the age of 91. Affectionately called “Oz” by her friends and family, Arlene’s life was centered around her husband, Tom, who passed in 2021, her three sons, Collen, Kim, and Kyle; daughters-in-law, Deborah, Lisa and Rose; her only granddaughter, Jessica and her husband Scott; and two great granddaughters, Brooke and Reese.

Arlene was the only child of Frank and Ethel Svihra and was the “apple of her dad’s eye”. Born Arlene Florence Svhira in the Bronx on September 4, 1934, she always called herself a tomboy. She loved climbing on the roof of her family home, playing with the boys in the neighborhood, skiing with friends, riding horses, and spending time with her cousins and family dogs.

Arlene graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, NY was a cheerleader and athlete. One of her favorite memories as a teen was spying on her future husband of 66 years, Thomas Engle, as he skied at the Reservoir in Yonkers. She faithfully told the story to everyone she met of how she hurt her knee in that spy mission, but it was worth it because she knew he was the man she wanted to marry.

Arlene graduated with a B.S degree from Valparaiso University where she majored in Phys ed. Dedicating her life to raising her children was her highest calling and her life legacy. She loved her childhood friends and kept in touch with them her entire life. An avid reader, she belonged to a book club, enjoyed hiking in the Catskills and Adirondacks and playing tennis. Long before the internet, she studied family genealogy and left behind this record so that her sons would also benefit from her findings. Arlene practiced Yoga, studied and became a Reiki master, and believed in animal rights.

Arlene's life legacy remains in the heart of her sons who learned from their parents how to honor their mom after their dad’s passing and provide for her wellbeing anytime she called. Her spirit lives in the memories of all her friends, and a place at the table will include her in future family gatherings.

Arlene’s life will be celebrated with a service at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 15 S Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 on Friday, February 27th at 12:30 pm.

Arlene has requested that in lieu flowers, a donation be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.