Arlene Cynthia (Patterson) Wilkins, age 79, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Sewickley and Moon Township, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2017 at St. John’s Specialty Care, Mars, PA. She was born in Baltimore, MD on October 20, 1937 to the late Nine Patrick and Alice (Martin) Patterson. As a young girl, she had lived in Strasburg, PA until 1965, when she made Pittsburgh her home.  On December 24, 1997, she was preceded in death by her husband Ettson Wilkins. Cherished mother of Delbert (Betsey) Wilkins of Chicago, Justine (Holly) Wilkins of Rochester, Patrick (Kristen) Wilkins of Charlotte, NC and the late Deirdre Wilkins (passed 7-28-2006); proud grandmother of Tad, Gabriella, Kai, Gavin, Brianna, McKenzie, Landon, Corbin, Gage, Rowan and Kali; sister of Joseph Martin of Baltimore. Arlene obtained her BS in Sociology from Wilkes College and her Masters in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her life-long quest as a learner, continued with additional courses at the University of Pittsburgh. For 30+ years, Arlene was a social worker at Allegheny General Hospital which was not just a profession but her vocation. Never wanting her clients to be alone over the holidays, she would open her home by inviting them to be with her family. She was a well-educated and respected Social Worker, who lead by example, not only for her profession, patients, but her children. Her children knew her set of rules and her stern side if not adhered, along with her ongoing teaching of life-lessons. Her words of wisdom and life-lessons will remain and live on, in her children’s hearts and minds forever. Please join family and friends as they celebrate the life of this wonderful woman Saturday 10AM Sept. 30, 2017 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 801 Beaver St., Sewickley Pa. 15143, Rev. Charissa Clark Howe will officiate. Burial was private in Sewickley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and to honor her vocation, family suggests donations to a local women’s shelter. Arrangements by Copeland’s.

 Service Information