Arlene R. Mittenthal

Arlene Mittenthal, 88, passed away on January 21 surrounded by love, leaving behind a life defined by fierce compassion, a deep commitment to justice, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Arlene spent most of her adult life in Norwalk, Connecticut, before moving to Cheshire more than 25 years ago. Wherever she lived, she built community—intentionally, passionately, and with an open door.

Arlene was an activist and organizer to her core, a lifelong and proud Democrat who showed up. She fought tirelessly for social justice, civil rights, gay rights, and reproductive freedom. She believed deeply in fairness, equality, and the responsibility to stand up for others—and she lived those values every day.

She also decided in her early 50th to go back to school and get her bachelor’s degree from UCONN while she worked full time and went to school at night. She was a diehard UCONN Woman’s basketball fan!

She was beloved by her hundreds of friends, many of whom experienced her extraordinary generosity firsthand. Arlene had a habit of bringing meals, checking in, and offering help whenever it was needed—right up until her passing. She was an avid reader, an active member of her temple community, and a devoted participant in two book clubs that brought her joy and connection.

As a Justice of the Peace, Arlene took great pride in officiating weddings. She loved love, took the responsibility seriously, and found deep happiness in helping couples begin their lives together.

Arlene now joins her beloved husband, Ray Mittenthal, who passed away in 2020. Married for more than 60 years, Ray was the great love of her life, and their partnership was a source of strength, joy, and inspiration.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Mittenthal; Debbie Kohan and her husband Zavosh; and Cherie Mittenthal and her partner Terry McGovern. She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Sarah Kohan, Daniel Kohan, Benjamin Upadhyaya, and Adam Upadhyaya—who were the light of her life and whom she adored beyond measure.

Arlene Mittenthal will be remembered for her kindness, her activism, her integrity, and her boundless love. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the family and friends who will carry her spirit forward.

Donations can be made to Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, PO Box 756, Truro, MA 02666 or go to https://www.castlehill.org/giving or to Boulder Knoll Farm, 875 Boulder Rd, Cheshire, CT 06410.

Her Funeral Service will be held at Temple Beth David, 3 Main Street, Cheshire on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11AM. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road, Cheshire. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with her arrangements. To leave condolences for her family, please visit www.fordfh.com