Arlene R Penfield

Arlene Ruth Penfield (Parmentier) 87, of Rouses Point passed away on Dec. 2nd 2022, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Arlene was born on June 8th 1935 in Le Ciba, Honduras to parents John “Gus”, and Edna Parmentier (Ramirez). They lived in the Panama Canal zone until she was 19 as her father was transferred to Los Angeles CA. by his employer, the Imperial Fruit Co. (now Chiquita). While in LA her family became naturalized citizens and, she finished grade school. Her father was once again transferred, this time to Montreal. Instead of moving the family to Quebec, her father took the train from Rouses Point to Mtl. for work so his children could receive their education in the United States.
While in Rouses Point, Arlene attended SUNY Plattsburgh, (Normal School) majoring in Psychology, worked for Willette and Gilpin Plumbing and Heating, and also the Champlain Telephone Co. She also met her husband, a returning Navy Veteran Conrad S. Penfield. They were married in 1957, and raised two sons.
In 1974 Arlene ran for, and was elected to the NCCS School Board where her focus became the needs of special education students as individuals, rather than a generalized group. In years to come she became President of the NCCS School Board as a member for eleven years and an officer for five years. Simultaneously, Arlene became involved with other educational agencies in the area including: The Board of Cooperative Educational Services, as a member for 14 years, with three years as vice president.
Clinton Community College – trustee, nine yrs. Secretary, three yrs., and chair of the presidential search committee. New York State School Boards Association. – Area Director, four years, Vice president, one yr., President, two yrs., Two years as past president / exofficio director, New York State Advisory Council for Vocational Education – member seven yrs; Vice President, two yrs; President, two yrs., National Association of State Advisory Councils for Vocational Education; President, two yrs.
Member, Governors Select Committee on Financing Education, Chair, NYS Education Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Education of Children with Handicapping Conditions, Member, Regents Advisory Committee to select candidates for a new NYS Education Department Commissioner, Recipient, the James E. Allen Jr, Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Education. (First time ever to a school board member, presented by the NYS Board of Regents.), National School Boards Assoc: member board of directors, 1984-1989; chairman, ad hoc committee on Public Relations, 1986-87; member. Elementary and Secondary Recognition Program Panels (U.S. Dept. of Education), 1986-87; member Policies and Resolutions Committee. 1986-87; member, Appeals Board, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 1985-88; member, Board of Examiners, NCATE,1988. Arlene was elected President of the National School Boards Association in 1991.
In September of 1991, Arlene was honored by St. Lawrence University, with their North Country Citation, reserved for an individual who has devoted their life to education. For approximately 15 yrs. Arlene served the U.S. Border Patrol as a translator.
Locally, Arlene served on the Board of the local Public Television Station WCFE, Channel 57.
Arlene participated in a local Gourmet Club and served as Regent of Court Lily of the Mohawks, Catholic Daughters of America. #1451. She and Conrad enjoyed dining and coffee with many friends on both sides of the border, as well as Vermont.
She is survived by her two sons Chris and Jon, both of Rouses Point, two brothers Ronan of Idaho and, Kevin of California, and eight nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Church in Rouses Point. Interment will follow at St. Peter's cemetery in Plattsburgh.
Many thanks to the staffs of local facilities 260 Lake St. Rouses Point, Pine Harbour, Plattsburgh
and Meadowbrook Healthcare, Plattsburgh, and Jane.
Donations may be made to The Catholic Daughters – Court Lily of the Mohawks #1451,
Fitzpatrick Cancer Center ( Arlene was a Breast Cancer Survivor) or the
The Alzheimer’s Association – alz.org
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.