Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Arlene Virlee, who once taught at Cathedral School in Honolulu, died on Jan. 8, after 70 years in religious life, at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc, Wis. She was 83.
Besides Cathedral School, Sister Arlene was also a teacher at a number of Wisconsin Catholic schools from Appleton to Green Bay, and also in Michigan.
She also provided a variety of ministries to youth and elderly in Yuma, Ariz., and in Kaukauna and Manitowoc, Wis.
She had been a resident of St. Rita Health Center since 2008.
Sister Arlene was born Arlene Mae Virlee on Oct. 11, 1930, in Brussels, Wis., to William and Anna (LeGrave) Virlee.
She entered the convent in 1944 and professed her vows in 1953. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Holy Family College in Manitowoc and a master’s of education from the University of Hawaii in Manoa.
Sister Arlene is survived by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and four sisters and one brother-in-law. Her funeral was Jan. 11 at the Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. She was buried at Holy Family Convent Cemetery.
