Arlene Abend
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It is with great sadness and an abundance of unique memories that family and friends mourn the passing of Arlene Abend on October 17th, 2025. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 23rd, 1931. Always drawn to the ocean, she frequented Brighton Beach in her early years. A graduate of the Arts at Cooper Union, finishing her bachelor’s at Syracuse University, her artistic endeavors continued well into her early nineties. She was embedded into the creative culture of Syracuse and Upstate, NY for over six decades.
Beginning with pastel portraits, Arlene expanded her talents into the mediums of ceramics, bronze, resins, and steel, focusing the majority of her career on metal sculpture from whimsical figurines to her favorite commissions for towering creations.
A trailblazer and an avid feminist before it was fashionable, Arlene would never back down from misogyny. Her stories were infectious and her love for sunsets and fresh snow on the ground was immeasurable. “I’m explaining, not complaining,” was a favorite quote from her mom, notwithstanding another favorite adage, “When you make plans, God laughs.”
Arlene is survived by her adult children, Tema Abend and Les (Carol) Abend, and her grandchildren, Alyssa O’Neal-Abend and Shira O’Neal-Abend. A Celebration of Life will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom on the evening of February 25, 2026.
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Message of Sympathy
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We knew Arlene for many years. She will be missed. We cherish the things she repaired for us.
Written by Thomas Miller
2025-10-26 2:13:44 PM
To the family of Arlene, My name is jim hueber and I had the privilege of working with your mom on many of her sculpture projects over the later years. That she trusted me to do these was a great honor. I will truly miss our conversations on life, philosophy, her company and of course the hersey chocolate motivational piece that she would bribe me with. The world was a better place with her in it
Written by jim Hueber
2025-11-03 9:56:28 PM
In 2010 I had an accident occur and a family heirloom that I have, which I guess to be at least 150 years old now, was damaged. It was a very fancy metal and marble stand that was from my great-grandparents house, the same house my grandmother and father grew up in. I searched the internet for a place that repaired antique metalwork and I found Arlene's name. She repaired it, and one cannot tell it was broken. My younger sister who lives in Chicago was here not long after, and she's an artist. I had told her about Arlene, and we visited Arlene when she was here. I found so much of her work that she had in her studio so interesting. When I saw the article on syracuse.com, she immediately registered in my mind. I have four sisters, three daughters, and three granddaughters. I am so glad that there are women like Arlene who were pioneers for women in various fields. A piece of her is now part of a priceless family heirloom. My condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
Written by John GIROUX
2025-11-06 6:54:27 PM
Post a Message of Sympathy
We knew Arlene for many years. She will be missed. We cherish the things she repaired for us.
Written by Thomas Miller
2025-10-26 2:13:44 PM
To the family of Arlene, My name is jim hueber and I had the privilege of working with your mom on many of her sculpture projects over the later years. That she trusted me to do these was a great honor. I will truly miss our conversations on life, philosophy, her company and of course the hersey chocolate motivational piece that she would bribe me with. The world was a better place with her in it
Written by jim Hueber
2025-11-03 9:56:28 PM
In 2010 I had an accident occur and a family heirloom that I have, which I guess to be at least 150 years old now, was damaged. It was a very fancy metal and marble stand that was from my great-grandparents house, the same house my grandmother and father grew up in. I searched the internet for a place that repaired antique metalwork and I found Arlene's name. She repaired it, and one cannot tell it was broken. My younger sister who lives in Chicago was here not long after, and she's an artist. I had told her about Arlene, and we visited Arlene when she was here. I found so much of her work that she had in her studio so interesting. When I saw the article on syracuse.com, she immediately registered in my mind. I have four sisters, three daughters, and three granddaughters. I am so glad that there are women like Arlene who were pioneers for women in various fields. A piece of her is now part of a priceless family heirloom. My condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
Written by John GIROUX
2025-11-06 6:54:27 PM