It is with great sadness that we share the news of the peaceful passing of Arlene McMaster on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in her 85th year.

Arlene was a treasured daughter of the late Charles and Ruth Hazlett, cherished wife of the late Ross McMaster and meant absolutely everything to her grateful children, Lloyd, Lesley (Chris) and Kevin, and blessed granddaughters, Olivia and Emily.

She was also a beloved sister to the late Peggy Koshowski, Ed Hazlett (Carrol), and the late Earl Hazlett and late Doug Hazlett, a loving aunt to the Yates (Debbie, Kathy, Brian and David), Hazlett (Pat and Steve) and Gray children (Brian and David) and a mother and sister figure to many friends.

Born in the small village of Hagersville, Arlene spent her teen and early adult years in Hamilton where she attended Delta Secondary School and waited tables at the Whistle Stop Café before working for the busy family practice of the late Dr. John Guyatt.

But it was at Deer Lodge, a summer resort in Haliburton where she met and fell in love with Ross.

Winning her over with his stylish fedora and natural charm, he convinced her to marry him and move to Oshawa where they built a modest but happy and fulfilling life together for the next 36 years. Arlene said it often: her life’s dream was to be a mom and she was the best mom ever.

Always gentle and caring, Arlene perfected a million and one different ways to make her children and grandchildren feel loved and at the centre of her universe. She was generous and kind and always stood by her friends and family, opening her home to those who needed it and wrapping them in her warmth and kindness.

Her baking was legendary (especially her sour cream apple pie and lemon squares) and fueled many family and holiday get-togethers and cookie exchanges with comfort.

Arlene was a stay-at-home mom who rarely stayed at home, she was so busy volunteering at school functions and fundraisers and as an in-class reading helper. Just when her nest should be emptying, she filled it as a devoted caregiver to her brother Doug who had Down Syndrome.

He came to live with her after their mother died in 1992 and they enjoyed many wonderful years together while they were both healthy. Many thanks to those who touched Arlene’s life along her final journey with Alzheimer’s.

A special acknowledgement to her loving and patient sons, Lloyd and Kevin, who made her feel safe and cared for each and every day, and especially in her most vulnerable moments.

The Adult Day Program at the Oshawa Senior Community Centres also deserves recognition for greatly enhancing Arlene’s quality of life while providing caregiver respite to her family, as does the Supportive Care team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their kindness and compassion in caring for Arlene to gently ease her passing.

As someone who faced and overcame many challenges, Arlene believed deeply in the power of gratitude and we will forever miss her optimism and light.

Please join in celebrating Arlene’s amazing life at a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD, 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558).

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate the making of donations in her memory to the Adult Day Program . https://forms.oshawa.ca/OSCC/OSCC-Donation-Form?fbclid=IwAR0nSFkBDRAepcCZRIwquHWDN3viVc9GcDS09xRGLndD6R8okPdW2zMv5Tc .

Online condolences may be shared at makfuneralhome.com.