Arlene Unger

Arlene C. Unger, 86, of Reading, passed away on Friday, September 21st, 2018 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center. She was the wife of the late Earl Robert “Bob” Unger. Born December 12, 1931 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Mildred (Marquetand) Clungeon. Arlene was a 1949 graduate of The Philadelphia High School for Girls and received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Temple University in 1953. Upon earning her degree, she worked as a teacher. She was the executive chef for Widow Finney's, which she created with her best friend of 50 years, Susan Brubaker.


Arlene’s life was defined by her quest for adventure and her unconditional love for her family, friends, and community. She delivered Meals on Wheels in Reading for over 40 years, and was actively involved in the Pennside Presbyterian Church, serving many years as an Elder. Arlene never passed up an opportunity to go on thrilling excursions, whether it involved swimming in the ocean or flying over it to visit new places. Arlene’s enterprising spirit and unrelenting fearlessness inspired everyone. The greatest joy in Arlene’s life was spending time with her family, which was always an adventure all its own.


Arlene was a superb seamstress who masterfully created everything from coats, jackets, and doll clothes to drapes, slipcovers, and Halloween costumes, all for family and friends. Arlene was always up for a challenge. She hiked to the summit of Mt Washington, biked the perimeter of Nova Scotia, loved parasailing and white water rafting, and built her own kayak. Last year she refurbished an old dollhouse for her two great-grandchildren and traveled with her daughter and granddaughter to London.


Arlene is survived by three children, Richard Unger and his wife Donna, Amy C. (Unger) Morton and her husband Dale Hockensmith, and Andrew Unger; five grandchildren, Amanda (Unger) McClane, Sarah (Morton) & Ben Danforth, Laura Morton, and John Hockensmith (who, along with many others, affectionately called her “Moppy”); two great-grandchildren, Fern and Canon; and one sister, Sandra C. Rosencrans. She was predeceased by her son, Robert “Chip” Unger, and her brother, Edward A. Clungeon.


Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday September 29, from 9:00am to 10:00am with services beginning at 10:00am in Pennside Presbyterian Church, 253 N. 25th St, Reading PA, 19606. Interment will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, 15 South Franklin Street, New Ulm, MN 56073. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.