Arlene Cwikla

Arlene Estelle Cwikla, age 76 of Wayne, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Arlene was the only child of her doting parents, Louis and Frances Orlando, who gave her a wonderful childhood of dance classes, guitar lessons, and trips to Greenwood Lake and Coney Island. Arlene experienced a Catholic upbringing, attending Blessed Sacrament for grade school and Mary Help of Christians for high school. She fondly remembered walking herself home for lunch each day as a young student through the neighborhood, building independence. Her high school days were filled with the Future Nurses Club, service to her alma mater, and being with friends, driving around in her dad’s ’57 Chevy. Arlene’s pen pal in London sent her records of the hottest new bands in England: the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Frequent trips were taken in 1964 and 1965 to the Academy of Music and Shea Stadium to see both bands in concert. She passed her love of music (and Paul McCartney) to her daughter later in life.

Arlene decided on a career of helping children, which led her to Seton Hall University to earn her nursing degree. She was hired by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital upon graduation in 1970, where she worked for her entire career. She found her calling in the Pediatric ICU department, saving children’s lives for the next 43 years! Her daughter witnessed Arlene’s compassionate nature with others through the years during Take Your Daughter to Work Day, where she saw her mother’s quick thinking and medical knowledge firsthand.

In 1974, Arlene’s life took a wonderful turn when she was set up on a blind date with a gentleman named Marian “Marty” Cwikla. Their connection was immediate and lasting. What started as one date blossomed into a loving relationship. On April 24, 1976, the couple exchanged their vows and were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Paterson, NJ. Their honeymoon flight to Paradise Island in the Bahamas proved memorable for an unexpected reason; it convinced Arlene she never wanted to fly again!  From that point forward, their vacations were spent driving or, later in life, by cruise ship to their favorite places. Arlene and Marty would make their way to the Poconos each fall with their close-knit group of friends who had become like family.

The newlyweds settled first in Bloomingdale before being blessed with their daughter Carol Ann. Seeking the perfect place to raise their family, they purchased a home in the Harmony Hills section of Wayne, where they’ve lived ever since. They became parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church. She and Marty raised their daughter in the Catholic faith, where she attended the parish school. A little white fluffy peke-a-poo named Casey joined the family as well. Casey was a constant companion of Arlene’s, always at her feet.

One of the biggest parts of Arlene’s life was her daughter, Carol Ann. Arlene worked nights at the hospital to be involved in Carol Ann’s life during the day. She was a class parent at OLC for numerous years, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, and was a constant presence at her daughter's band competitions and performances in high school and college. They loved to shop, participate in exercise classes, and bake together. She was the one Carol Ann went to for sharing exciting news, to talk through bad days, and for advice when she needed to break the news to Dad about getting a speeding ticket. Arlene always knew what to say. When words weren’t enough, hugs would be. She was the greatest mommy in all the world.

Arlene became equally devoted to her grandchildren. She frequently said that being a Nonna was the greatest gift. Her first grandchild, Liam, was welcomed to the world on November 24^th, linking the two forever as birthday twins. Liam will remember Nonna’s kind and gentle voice, always comforting those around her. She was thrilled to be a Nonna twice more when grandchildren, Grace then Caedmon, were born. She and Grace marveled at trinkets and jewelry, sharing them back and forth between each other. Grace will always remember the times spent at the beach house together. Caedmon loved spending Thanksgivings at Nonna and Grandpa’s house with delicious food and family all around. Arlene was always showing off photos of “her loveys” and talking about them to anyone who would listen. Arlene and Marty made numerous trips to Delaware to visit them, attending soccer and volleyball games, cheering at cross country races and swim meets, and seeing their musical recitals and school plays. She loved her daughter and grandchildren more than anything and enjoyed being there for them in any way she could. She always ended a visit, phone call, or FaceTime with I Love Yous, hugs, and kisses.

Family traditions meant a lot to Arlene, so each year, summer vacations were spent in Wildwood Crest. Arlene and Marty began vacationing there when they started dating. They enjoyed the salty sea air of the Jersey Shore, going from one rental to another in the early days. It didn’t take long for them to realize how much they loved the area, so they purchased their own condo to come and go as they pleased. Once retired, the pair spent the majority of their summers there and welcomed their grandchildren with days on the beach, trips to the boardwalk, and fun playing in the pools. There were always special treats awaiting all the kids at the beach house. As summer came to a close, Arlene and Marty would plan their next cruise with friends and take trips on the East Coast.

Arlene also found joy in reading and spending time at the library, playing Scrabble, tending to her plants, creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces, working out with her Jazzercise girls, and praying the rosary each day. She was an excellent cook, perfecting her mother’s Italian recipes and her mother-in-law’s Polish recipes, much to her family’s delight. Chicken noodle soup, stuffed cabbage, lasagna, meatloaf, cheesecake, and Christmas cookies will never be the same.

Arlene will be remembered for her kind and caring heart, her loving personality, and her lifelong devotion to helping children. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Arlene is predeceased by her parents, Frances and Louis Orlando. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Marty; her daughter, Carol Ann, and her husband, Kevin; and her grandchildren (her loveys): Liam, Grace, and Caedmon. Her sister-in-law, Christine Badura, and dear friend, Jane Baldecchi, will always be remembered as loving caretakers and supporters of Arlene in her final months.