Arline Maria Connors
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Arline Maria Connors, 83, passed away peacefully in Charlotte, NC surrounded by her loving family. Born July 25, 1938 in Dupont, Pa, she was the daughter of John and Clara (Lis) Podvorny. She is predeceased by her husband John "Jack" Thomas who passed away in 1980. After graduating from St. John the Evangelist HS in Pittston, PA and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing, she started her nursing career in Wilkes Barre, PA before moving to Whitehall, PA where she raised her family. Always active in the community, school and church, she was a CYO volleyball coach, Girl Scout leader and active in Parent and Booster Clubs at Allentown Central Catholic HS. She was a dedicated nurse in the maternity ward at Sacred Heart Hospital, continuing her career in Case Management at Blue Cross and Manager at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Lutheran Homes. She participated in legislation on state regulatory committees and continued as a consultant postretirement. After retiring, she moved to Charlotte, NC to begin a new chapter, as a grandmother to Marielle, her "favorite in all the world," whom she helped care for and loved dearly. She was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, STARS, the Newcomers Group, Morrison YMCA and volunteered as a nurse at The Matthews Free Clinic. She was an avid card player and an enthusiastic member of several card groups in the area. Her favorite times were late night games with her parents, sister, aunts, and cousins. As she did throughout her life, as she was challenged with a number of health issues in recent years, she chose to find the joy in each day. She was thankful for the friendship and care she found at Carriage Club Retirement Community for the past 2 years, and finally at White Oak of Waxhaw. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Michelle in Waxhaw, NC, Eileen of Jim Thorpe, PA, Carol of Charlotte, NC, granddaughter, Marielle, of Waxhaw, NC, loving sister, Joan Harrison, of Fort Lee, NJ as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved her. A private family service will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte on Tuesday, January 4, at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Disabled Veterans of America. Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.