Arlene Kotfer

Mystic — Arlene Margory (Sudie) Kotfer, 88, died peacefully with family by her side, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Harbor Village Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in New London, where she was cared for by a compassionate and professional staff.

Born in Duquesne, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Sarosi) (Sudie) Smith.

Arlene was a graduate of Duquesne High School class of 1953 and a graduate of Allegheny General Hospital’s School of Nursing. She met and married her late husband, Ralph T. Kotfer, who predeceased her in 1988. Arlene and Ralph moved up to Connecticut where Ralph had a career at Pfizer and Arlene made a career as a nursing supervisor at New London Rehabilitation and Care. After retirement she volunteered in a literacy program reading to children.

Before moving to Harbor Village, Arlene lived at Academy Point in Mystic where she made friends and was cared for by wonderful staff.

She and Ralph raised their children in the home they built on Groton Long Point Road in Noank. She was a founding member of Saint Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton.

Arlene was an excellent cook and loved cooking with her husband for her family, especially traditional Hungarian foods. She was also an avid gardener.

Arlene leaves her son, Terry Kotfer of Groton; grandchildren, Joey Kotfer and his wife Christina, Madeline Kotfer, Juliet Kotfer, Randy Kaufman and Julie Saunders; great-grandson Derrick Bray; and her daughter-in-law, Laurie Kotfer.

She was predeceased by her sons, Timothy and Thomas Kotfer; and a daughter, Tammy Kotfer.

Services for Arlene will be private.

Please consider a donation in Arlene’s memory to the American Heart Association.