Arline M Duanne

Arline M. Duanne, 90, passed away on June 1 2024.

Arline was born March 23, 1934 to Ovide and Yvette Leblanc in Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada. She was the second of four girls. Arline received her teaching certificate and became a primary school teacher where she loved teaching cursive writing to her students. In 1959, she married William (Bill) Duanne, left her teaching job and drove across Canada in Bill’s baby blue VW Bug. Bill’s job took them around the world and Arline got to visit every continent except Antarctica. Her fondest memories were of South America where she loved the culture, people, and especially the clothes. During her travels, she learned to speak English and some Spanish. Though, rumor has it that she learned the curse words first.

Arline and Bill adopted their only son, David, in 1967. All three continued to travel the world until 1973 when the family built a home in Overland Park, Kansas. Arline filled the home with souvenirs from their travels and loved to tell each item’s story. During all their travels, Arline never learned how to drive (nor did she want to). She loved to walk. Arline and David shared many long walks to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and the swimming pool. She loved reading and always had a book with her (yes, some were spicy). She spent hours with her crossword puzzles and loved watching her favorite game shows.

In 1984, Bill died suddenly and Arline decided that she needed to stay busy. With David’s help, she finally got her driver’s license and became a clerk in the gift shop of Humana hospital. She left Humana and began working in the gift shop of the Overland Park Marriott. She loved meeting all the guests and was a welcome French-speaking voice for many foreign travelers. Visiting NFL teams would often stay at the Marriott. Arline was just under 5-feet tall and weighed about 100 pounds, but she would tease the visiting football players relentlessly. The players loved her personality and she always looked forward to the hugs she got when they left. Arline was at the Overland Park Marriott for 25 years and retired when they decided to close the gift shop. In all that time, Arline never missed any of David’s baseball or hockey games and was always his #1 fan. When she wasn’t cheering for David, she made yelling at the referees and art form and got quite good at telling them how to do their jobs.  She never cursed at referees during hockey games (at least, not in English). Even though she lived in the United States for over 50 years, Arline would still mix up some English words. If someone hit their head, they got a concoction (concussion).  She would make bowls of pissghetti.  And would always tell you to read the constructions (instructions) before starting a project.  Her mixed-up words always made us laugh and the family still uses them today.

Mom, I love you.  My head keeps telling me that you’re in a better place, your hands don’t hurt anymore, and all your missing memories are back.  My head is happy for you, but my heart misses you terribly.  I’ll see you again someday.  You did a wonderful job living life and raising me. We’ll be okay.  Move on and don’t look back. You deserve a rest. Say hi to dad for me and tell him that I miss him.  I’ll love you always.

Arline was preceded in life by her parents, husband and two of her sisters, Yvette and Reneé.  She is survived by her son, David Duanne, his wife Brenda, her three grandchildren, Devin, Brent, and Olivia, and her sister, Janine Van.