Grace White Arles, born on March 27, 1933, in Federalsburg, Maryland, lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

A 1951 graduate of Federalsburg High School, Grace went on to attend Goldey-Beacom College before beginning her career at DuPont in Seaford, Delaware. It was there that she met her future husband, Donald “Don” Arles. Their story was the classic “farm girl meets city boy”—they fell in love, married, and began building a life together.

From 1954 to 1974, they lived in Seaford, except for the two years Don served in the U.S. Army. Grace devoted herself to raising their growing family and creating a warm home. She and Don loved family vacations, which almost always meant traveling by car and camping across the country, first in tents and later in a travel trailer. These adventures allowed them to explore new places and visit loved ones. Closer to home, Grace especially cherished summer vacations at the beach—starting along the Delaware shore and later enjoying treasured family gatherings in the Outer Banks. She also found joy in sewing, cross-stitching, and cooking, always eager to try new recipes.

Grace’s dedication extended beyond her home and family. She became active in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, first with the Acorn Club in Seaford and later with the Newark New Century Club after the family relocated in 1974. She not only participated but also served in leadership roles at the local, state, and regional levels. Her civic involvement led to many years of volunteer work with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation, the Blood Bank of Delaware, Meals on Wheels, and numerous other community organizations. Grace was also an avid bridge player and loved hosting gatherings at her family home in Covered Bridge Farms.

Her commitment to service was recognized with many honors, including being named Delaware Mother of the Year in 1996 by the American Mothers Association and receiving the Delaware Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2008.

Grace was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. At St. John–Holy Angels Parish, she served on the Liturgy Committee, the Pastoral Council, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

One of her proudest personal achievements was fulfilling her lifelong dream of visiting all 50 states—a goal completed when her children surprised her with a trip to Hawaii for her 80th birthday.

Grace’s life was a true example of strength, leadership, and compassion. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her.

She is survived by six of her seven children: Denise A. King of Wilmington, DE; Anthony D. Arles (Melissa) of Cleveland, OH; Keith R. Arles (Yvonne) of The Woodlands, TX; Peter J. Arles (Donnell) of Pearland, TX; David P. Arles (Donna) of Richmond, VA; and Jeannine A. McKnight (Scott) of Sykesville, MD. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Arles, and their daughter, Andrea A. Raciti. She will also be dearly missed by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE on Saturday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Seaford, DE.

Contributions may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association – 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org