Obituary of Arlene Brundage

BATH: Arlene Brundage, 92, of Fish Hatchery Rd. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Christmas day, December 25, 2023 at Updyke’s Willow Ridge in Hornell where she had resided since October of 2023. Arlene was born in the town of Warsaw, March 24, 1931 to J. Lawrence and Katherine (McGillivary) Barrett where her mother taught kindergarten. They soon moved to Hammondsport where her father worked at Pleasant Valley winery then opened the JL Barrett TV and appliance business on Davis Avenue. She was the valedictorian of her class in high school. While still in school Arlene was always busy - tying grapes in the vineyards, riding bikes or riding on horseback down the lake road to the roller rink, as well as singing in a quartet at public events with her friends. She worked at the local theater selling popcorn, at the Crooked Lake ice cream shop and at the county fair selling tickets. She learned to play the piano and did so at her Hammondsport church, at her graduation and throughout most of her life. Also, in high school she worked ½ days at the DW Putname Winery where she learned to manage the payroll, a skill that was used at every job later in life. She married the love of her life, William Brundage, on June 23, 1951. They had three sons and were happy together on the family farm for 69 years. Arlene worked full time for the Steuben County Probation department for three years then moved to the newly formed Mental Health Clinic where she worked as the office manager for thirty-one years. She was still doing the payroll and loved helping people. Throughout her entire life she was a member of “girls club”, which was a group of a dozen women from high school that got together every month for laughs and a good time. Their friendship and sisterhood literally lasted a lifetime. She was also an active lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bath where she initially worked as an administrative assistant. She enjoyed the church community and loved singing in the choir. Arlene will be remembered for her kind heart, constant smile, and the love she had for her kids, family, friends church and community. Arlene is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Brundage of St. Albans, VT, Kevin (Judy) Brundage of Corning and Kris (River) Brundage of Bath, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a sister Elizabeth. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 20th at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Bath, NY. Memorial contributions in Arlene’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bath, 6 East Morris St. Bath, NY 14810. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.