Obituary of Mary Virginia Arnold

Mary V, (Virginia) Arnold passed away peacefully in her home on October 24, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the wonderful age of 100.

Virginia was born on September 25, 1922 in Lake Placid, New York, the daughter of Loretto and Clyde Lawrence. In her early years, she was an avid skier and figure skater. A graduate of The Katherine Gibbs School in New York City, she worked as an executive secretary in Manhattan, New York.

On March 2, 1946 she married the love of her life, Herb, and moved to Bethlehem, PA while he attended Lehigh University. Upon graduation, they moved to Elizabeth, and then to Florham Park, NJ where they resided for 45 years raising their four children.

Virginia and her husband were part of the original parishioners of Holy Family Church, Florham Park, jokingly called the holy rollers as Mass was held at the Florham Park Roller Rink until the church was built. Virginia worked for 25 years as the first parish secretary for Monsignor O’Connell. In addition to keeping up with her children’s busy schedules, she served on many committees both in the parish and school.

Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to Brick, NJ where they were active in the community, made new friends and continued their enjoyment of travel. Upon the death of her husband, Virginia moved back to Florham Park to be closer to her family and many friends. An active member of the Florham Park Seniors Club, she served two terms as president and was very instrumental in the building of the Florham Park Senior Center. She was an active member of the Morris Area Suburbanites, an avid tournament bridge player and mastered the game of canasta. However, utmost in her life was the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished all family gatherings, visits, and phone calls, especially later in life. The arrival of Covid truly slowed down a very active and fulfilling life that she had created. She leaves behind many wonderful memories and will be deeply missed.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years and her sister, Frances. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Treiber (husband, Jack), son, Thomas Arnold (wife, Kathy), son, James Arnold (wife, Rosemary), and daughter, Mary Griggs. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren: John Treiber, Robert Treiber, Michael Treiber,  Tracy (Arnold) Blackwell, William Arnold, Timothy Arnold, Amy Arnold, Alison Arnold, Dianna (Arnold) McHugh, Stephanie (Arnold) Patel, Kathleen (Arnold) Fitzpatrick, Susan (Arnold) Viens, Jennifer (Griggs) O’Connor, Jessica (Griggs) Gaeta, Christopher Griggs, and Abigayle Griggs in addition to 29 great-grandchildren and may nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Church on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 am. Burial will take place in Lake Placid, NY, at a later date where her husband is buried.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Florham Park Senior Citizens, 51 Roosevelt Blvd. Florham Park, NJ  07932. Donations will be used toward the Seniors Helping Seniors, which Virginia started.

Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ.