Arlene S. Neder

Arlene Saleeby Neder, 90, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2024. Arlene was born on August 12, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York. She is survived by her three children, Pam Dudeck of Gainesville, Ronald (Pede) Neder of Gainesville, and Janet Tope (Doug) of Midlothian, Virginia. She leaves four precious grandchildren to cherish her memory, Alex Dudeck of Gainesville, Anna Neder of Gainesville, Lauren Tope of St. Augustine, and Austin Tope of Midlothian. Arlene’s memory is also cherished by her sisters and brothers, Miriam Megowan, Elaine Townsend, Richard Saleeby (Priscilla), and Paul Saleeby (Lauri); brother-in-law George Neder, her niece Cheryl Neder (John Sapora) and their three boys, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends. Arlene is preceded in death by her treasured husband of over 63 years, Ronald Neder, her father M. Richard Saleeby, stepmother H. Louise Saleeby, mother Marie Sajem, sisters-in-law Benita Neder and Charlotte Neder, brother-in-law Charles Neder, son-in-law Daniel Dudeck, niece Cynthia Neder Spoto, and nephew Joshua Neder. Arlene graduated from Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1952 and attended Florida State University. Arlene and Ronnie moved to Gainesville in 1961, where she began her legacy of always opening her home and her heart to so many. Passionately devoted to the Florida Gators, especially Gator basketball, Arlene and Ronnie hosted the 1970’s Gator basketball teams many times. Arlene opened her home to generations of University of Florida students, some who were family, and some who became family. Arlene’s dedication to her friends and family also extended to a very special group of women who played bridge together every week for over 50 years. One of Arlene’s defining traits was her love for cooking and entertaining, ensuring there was enough food for anyone and everyone who showed up. She loved Lebanese food, and shared that love with family and friends through her gift of rolling grape leaves and cabbage rolls, as well as preparing kibbeh. Arlene always found peace at the beach. She loved St. Augustine Beach, where the water was soothing and relaxing. Arlene’s strong relationship with Christ was very important to her and a reflection of her values. She dedicated time every day to her devotional, frequently adding new notes and thoughts to her Bible. Arlene embodied the Gospel value of hospitality, always leaving room at the table for one more. Remembering Arlene wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging her gift for shopping. Her specialties included, but were not limited to, shoes, jewelry, and Gator apparel. As Ronnie famously joked, “She had a black belt in shopping,” a true Olympian shopper. Like her husband Ronnie, Arlene’s superpower was unconditional love expressed in so many ways. No one knew this better than her husband and family, who were the center of her world. She lived for every minute she could spend with them, especially her grandchildren. Arlene was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by all who knew her. After a private graveside service, there will be a celebration of life at Christ Community Church (1603 SW 122nd St., Gainesville, Fla.), on January 11th at 2:00 p.m. - wearing blue or Gator colors if possible, to honor Arlene and Ronnie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Church.

Arlene S. Neder

August 12, 1934 - December 23, 2024