Arlene Louise (Patten) Kramer, 88, passed away on September 11, 2026, in the home she and her husband, Richard, built as newlyweds. It was there they raised their family and gathered for Sunday dinners. The coffee was always on.

Arlene was born at home on December 23, 1937, in Sanford, Maine, the daughter of Merton Patten and Althea (Gardner) Patten.

As a young woman, Arlene worked as a roller-skating carhop. As she skated by one day, Richard tugged on her shirt and challenged her about whether she had the guts to go out with him. Apparently, she did. They were married for 44 years.

Arlene worked at the University of Connecticut for more than 30 years.

Arlene was funny, mischievous, stubborn, and always interested in what was going on around her. Not much escaped her attention, especially from her favorite window. She knew how to get a laugh when it was needed and was never afraid to be a little unexpected. She loved going to the casino and enjoyed a little excitement. But when the lipstick went on, she was Mrs. Kramer.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. Kramer, and her daughter, Joyce Kramer Beaumont.

She is survived by her son, Alan Kramer and his wife, Debra Kramer; her sister, Carol Hill; her son-in-law, Robert Beaumont; her grandchildren, Jason Beaumont and his wife, Nicholle Beaumont, Ryan Beaumont and his wife, Shannon Beaumont, Ashley Kramer and her fiancé, Tobias Despard, Sarah Kramer and her fiancé, Louis Fusaro III, and Richard Kramer and his wife, Kristie Kramer; and her eight great-grandchildren, Miranda Beaumont, Cailyn Beaumont, Eloise Beaumont, Charlotte Beaumont, Kairi Despard, Greyson Piacenza, Brooklyn Kramer, and Lucas Kramer.

Her home was a gathering place for her family, and everyone knew there was always a place for them. During her final days, the outside world was put on pause. Her family faced this ending together, loved Nan, loved each other, and carried each other through it.

Arlene’s laughter, her stories, her stubborn streak, and the unmistakable personality that made her Nan are her legacy. She will be remembered not simply for the years she lived, but for the part of herself she left in each of us.

Services will be held privately by the immediate family.