Arleen Natelson, 91, of Little Silver, died at her home Feb. 12, 2021. Mrs. Natelson, eldest daughter of Reuben and Eva Grant, was born and raised in Newark. She met her future husband, Bernard “Bud” Natelson, while both families were summering at the Shore. They married in June 1950 and, after a European honeymoon, moved to Fair Haven. A short time later they settled in Little Silver.
Love of children fueled her fire, both in her own house and outside in the local community. She was a founding board member of the Monmouth Day Care Center and energetically volunteered time and talent to the Children’s Psychiatric Center in Eatontown, the National Council of Jewish Women, and early efforts to establish Planned Parenthood in Red Bank. Though never employed in the local family-owned clothing store on Broad Street in Red Bank, Arleen was an invaluable consultant, solving the thorniest business challenges that her husband faced. Arleen was a longtime member of Congregation B’nai Israel, Rumson.
She was an accomplished bridge player and, as a member of Navesink Country Club, enjoyed tennis, golf and winter paddle tennis. She was an avid fan of the New York Giants, Yale Bulldogs and any team or entertainment activity involving her children.
In recent years, although she was legally blind, she relied on audio books to participate in two different book clubs. She flew to her grandson’s wedding in Chicago despite being confined to a wheelchair. She rarely complained and never accepted being left out of any holiday, milestone or family gathering.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are three married sons: Rabbi Steven and wife Sherri Natelson, Jerusalem, Israel; David and wife Melanie Natelson, Tinton Falls; and Richard and wife Joan Natelson, Silver Spring, Maryland. Arleen is also survived by her sister, Judy Goldman, Maplewood; eight grandchildren, Graig and wife Mary Kathleen, Eric and wife Kelly, Aliza and husband Sruly, Bracha Leah and husband Alexander, Sarah and husband Sam, Devorah, Shoshana and Dov Ber; and 9 great-grandchildren, Yahuda, Oriel, Teferet, Ayelet, Yacov, Ruchama, Michaela, Mackenzie and Patrick.
A private funeral service occurred Feb. 15 at Congregation B’nai Israel, Rumson. Interment followed at B’nai Israel Cemetery, Tinton Falls.
For messages of condolence please visit woolleyboglioli.com.
The article originally appeared in the February 25 – March 3, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
