Arlene A. Harrison

Arlene A. Harrison, 78, of Dowagiac, passed away, August 17, 2017, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, with Pastor Tim Mathis officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, August 21, 2017, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Harrison Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Nancy Wiersma. Those wishing to sign Arlene’s guestbook may do so online at www.newellchapel.com. Arlene was born September 22, 1938, in Dowagiac, MI to Richard and Evelyn (Johnson) Housenger. She was a graduate of Dowagiac High School and went on to earn her degree in nursing from South Western Michigan college in 1973. On November 23, 1978, she married Gerald Harrison, Sr. in Paw Paw Michigan. Arlene worked as Registered Nurse at Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw for over 40 years in the neonatal unit and worked at Lee Memorial briefly before retirement. Arlene loved to garden, paint and go shopping at garage sales. Most of all she loved taking care of her family. Arlene is survived by her daughters, Nancy (George) Wiersma of Dowagiac, Julie (James F.) Darrigan of Dowagiac and Susan Pond of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Keith, Stephanie, Jamie and April; and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by first husband Gerald Smith and her second husband Gerald Harrison, Sr.; grandson Chad; and brother Donald Housenger.