Services
Obituary
Arlene McDermott, 93, of Britt passed away Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Westview Care Center in Britt.
Funeral services for Arlene McDermott will be held on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 10:30 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street S. E. in Britt with Father Dennis Miller and Father Paul Lippstock concelebrating. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Britt.
Visitation for Arlene McDermott will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 8, 2015, with a Catholic Daughters Rosary and Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 5:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street S. E. in Britt. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Arlene Bernadette (Kelly) McDermott was born July 28, 1921 to Frank V. and Ella (Mullin) Kelly on their farm near Britt. She was raised and educated in Britt, graduating from Britt High School with the Class of 1938.
Following high school, Arlene attended Britt Junior College and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught in country schools near Britt and Woden for six years.
Arlene was united in marriage to Edward John McDermott on June 22, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. The couple made their home on a farm south of Britt. Twelve children were born to this union.
Arlene’s Catholic faith was the guiding force of her life. She was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She taught CCD for a number of years there and served on the parish school board. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America and served as an officer.
As the wife of a World War II veteran, Arlene was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary for over 50 years.
Arlene’s family was a great source of pride to her. She was always in attendance at her children’s and grandchildren’s school events, and stressed the importance of faith, family and education to her family. She raised a large family and taught them to cooperate and live in harmony with one another.
Arlene enjoyed gardening and community service. She volunteered as a reading tutor at Britt Elementary School even past age 80, and continued to attend school and sporting events long after her children and grandchildren had graduated.
In her later years, Arlene loved traveling with her children. Memorable trips include visits to Washington D.C., Boston, Ireland. She particularly enjoyed annual Girls’ Trips with her daughters.
Arlene is survived by her children, Michael (Mary) McDermott of Oronoco, Minnesota, Tom (Linda) McDermott of Traer, Pat (Diane) McDermott of Ankeny, Dennis McDermott of Kyoto, Japan, Mary (Jim) Sanders of Des Moines, Maureen (Ken) Lyons of Marshalltown, Donna (Jeff) Daykin of St. Paul, Minnesota, Marilyn (John Boyd) McDermott of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kevin (Deb) McDermott of Britt, John McDermott of Dubuque, Jean McDermott of Morris, Minnesota, and Jim (Kris) McDermott of Spencer; 29 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren (along with two on the way); sister Teresa (Ray) Rottinghaus of Mason City, brother Paul Kelly of Britt, sister-in-law Bonnie Kelly of Des Moines; along with many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed in 1990, sister Rose Mary Stevermer and brothers Robert Kelly, Joseph Kelly and Francis Kelly.
Memorials may be directed to the Edward and Arlene McDermott scholarship fund at West Hancock School, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, or Catholic Daughters of America.