Arlene A. Clancy, age 95, of Shelton, entered into rest on Friday, June 12, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. She was the devoted wife of the late James J. Clancy. Arlene was born in Staten Island, NY, on November 28, 1930, daughter of the late Joseph and Mabel (Chadwick) Navarre. She made her home in Shelton for over 60 years.
Arlene graduated from Hunter College and earned her Masters and 6th Year Certificate from SCSU. Though a born educator, she often boasted of her first job at age 17 in the Men’s Department at Macy’s in Manhattan. She began her teaching career in North Babylon, NY, later moving to the St Louis area with Jim where she initially taught in a one room school house before securing a position in East St. Louis. Accompanying Jim to Connecticut for work, she taught briefly in Bridgeport before beginning her long tenure with the Shelton School System. She served as a teacher at Elizabeth Shelton School, Ferry School and finally Ripton where she was later named Principal, a position she cherished and enjoyed until her retirement. After retiring, Arlene was recruited to serve as a supervisor for student teachers, the Principal of St. Rose School and then St. Joseph’s Grammar School. She was a tireless champion for students with special needs, working in many capacities in various districts daily until March of 2020.
Arlene’s life always included service to her community, beginning with 4-H, Biddy Basketball and Little League. She later served on the Board of VARCA and Hewitt and was Chapter President for Omicron, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Professional Women Educators where she is a Lifetime member. Though not one to seek recognition, she was both humbled and proud of being selected for the Service to Youth Award by the LNV Boys and Girls Club as well as the Golden Seal Award from the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
She was the beloved mother of Siobhan Sorak Horan (Martin), Sean Joseph Clancy (Mari), Kathleen Lozinak (David), Kevin Joseph Clancy (Michele), and Rachel Clancy Douglas (Wayne), and her special foster daughter Mary Beth Donofrio. She is survived by her cherished grandchildren, Brianne, Stephanie, Holly, Stephen, Nancy, Matthew, Erik, Jared, Kristy, Amanda, Emily, Catheryn, Gillian, William, Jesse, Zachary, Addyson, Mikhalia, AmityRaye, Delia, Wayne, Chelby, Carly, Jake and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Arlene is survived by her step-sister Pat (Frank) Cleary. She was predeceased by her step-siblings, William and Robert Crosson, and Mary Eberle, and sister-in-law Mary and brother-in-law George , son-in-law Stephen Sorak, III and her grandson-in-law Blake.
Friends may pay their respects at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, on Tuesday from 3 PM to 7 PM. On Wednesday, friends are invited directly to St. Joseph Church, 50 Fairmont Place, Shelton, for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby.
Donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugauck Valley or St. Joseph’s Parish.
Online condolences can be extended at www.riverviewfh.com.