Arlene F. McGuire

Arlene F. McGuire died May 3 from the Covid-19 virus at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania where she had been a resident for over eight years. She was the widow of Daniel J. McGuire. 

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Banko.  Her family moved to Dunmore and Arlene attended St. Paul grade school and high school. She was a member of Christ the King Parish.  After graduation from high school, she worked for Prudential as a key punch operator.  It was at Prudential that she met her husband.

After raising her two daughters, she went to work in retail sales in downtown Scranton in stores that included Ruth Ziman’s, Racusins and Helen Schwartz.  Arlene was known for her fashion sense and for never having a hair out of place.  

She enjoyed spending time with her friends over coffee, lunch or dinner.  An avid sweet eater, chocolate was one of her favorite food groups.  She also enjoyed decorating and listening to music; especially The Bee Gees, ABBA and Christmas carols.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Maureen and Ellen McGuire of Scranton, and her sister Dolores Banko of Clarks Summit.

She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Banko.

Her daughters would like to offer a special note of gratitude to the entire staff of the Jewish Home, especially the staff of the fifth floor for the care and compassion they provided during her stay.

A private graveside service will be held at the Dunmore Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania Employee Fund, 1101 Vine Street, Scranton, PA 18510. 

20 Comments

  1. Donato C Rinaldi, Jr.

    I am so very sorry to hear about Arlene’s passing. I always loved visiting with her at the Jewish Home. She was such a delightful person to see and talk to while I was visiting my Dad. Sending thoughts and prayers to Maureen and Ellen. May your mom always know the beauty of eternal life.
    Love,
    Donato, Sue and Victoria Rinaldi
    Charleston, South Carolina

    • Ellen McGuire

      Thank you for your condolences. My mother enjoyed visiting with you and your Dad, Danny, as well as sharing a table in the dining room. The two of you always made her smile.

  2. Jack & Paula Banko

    Maureen,Ellen and Dee, So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

    • Ellen McGuire

      Thank you Jack and Paula for your condolences.

      Maureen and Ellen

  3. Bonnie Banko vitaletti

    For you Ellen and Maureen , I was so sorry to read of the passing of your mother and my cousin, I always remembered seeing your mom at the top of clay waiting for the bus to go to work at the Globe. You mom always looked so pretty. I am sure you will really miss her , she was such a good mother to you girls.

    • Ellen McGuire

      Bonnie, Thank you for your condolences and sharing your memories of our mother.

    • Maureen McGuire

      Bonnie, Thank you sou much for your kind remembrance.

      Maureen and Ellen

  4. Jim and Susie (Boles) Schimelfenig

    Maureen and Ellen, we are so sorry for your loss. We loved your mom and she meant so much to our mother. I will always remember my mom taking us into Ruth Ziman’s to visit your mom at work – she always looked so gorgeous!!! She really was a special person. She will me missed.
    We’re keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
    Jimmy and Susie (Boles) Schimelfenig

    • Ellen McGuire

      Jim and Susie,
      Thank you for your condolences and sharing your memories of our mother. She loved your mom and your family. You all held a special place in her heart.
      Maureen and Ellen

  5. Rita Winslow

    So sorry to hear about my cousin Arlene’s death. I always remember her artistic talents when I visited her at the house and watched as she drew sketches of women wearing the most current “fashion of the day”. Your family is my prayers and thoughts.

    • Ellen McGuire

      Thank you Rita. We appreciate your condolences and the memories you shared. Our sympathies are with you and your family as well.

      Maureen and Ellen

  6. Annette Jeffers

    I am so so sorry for the loss of your mom

    • Ellen McGuire

      Thank you so much for your kindness.

      Maureen and Ellen

  7. Connie Leavesley

    Maureen and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Sending prayers for all.
    Connie Leavesley

    • Maureen McGuire

      Thank you so much Connie.

  8. Julie Larioni

    Sincere condolences to daughters Maureen, Ellen, and the McGuire family. Julie (Activity Department)

    • Ellen McGuire

      Thank you Julie for your condolences and kindness while our mom was a resident.

      Maureen and Ellen

  9. nancy menapace

    For the McGuire Family,
    I’ve known Arlene since the passing of her husband. When I read in the obituary that “she never had a hair out of place” I recalled meeting her at Helen Swartz and how she always presented herself so professionally. I know Maureen and Ellen have been caring and dedicated daughters and have given their Mother their utmost through these many years. Please accept my condolences and know that you will be in our prayers. I pray you are comforted knowing your loving care made a significant difference in your Mother’s life.

    • Ellen McGuire

      Nancy, Thank you for your condolences, thoughts and prayers as well as sharing your memories of our mother.
      Maureen and Ellen

  10. Mary Peterson

    Sympathies to the family…..

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