Memorial

Arlene Duggan Maloney, 92, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at West Ridge Care Center, on Monday, December 7, 2020, from complications of covid-19.  A private Funeral Mass for Arlene’s family will be celebrated.  Cedar Memorial Funeral Home is assisting Arlene’s family with arrangements. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. There will be no visitation due to the covid-19 virus. 

Arlene Frances Ferrie was born April 22nd, 1928, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Naomi (Cummins) and Raphael Ferrie. She lived in Cresco, Iowa, and at the age of 15, her family moved to Cedar Rapids.  She graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic High School in 1945. Arlene married James Thomas Duggan in 1949, and they were blessed with seven children: Michael (Carol) Duggan, Kathleen (Dave) Bullock, Maureen (Donny) Murphy, Theresa (Rev. Emmanuel) Lillios, Patricia (Jerry) Winter, John (Mona) Duggan, and Mary (Matt) Michenfelder.  After 53 years of marriage, Jim passed away in 2003. In 2007, Arlene married Loras Maloney at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and together they enjoyed family, traveling, and spending their winters in Harlingen, Texas. Loras passed away in 2016. 

In addition to her seven children, Arlene is survived by 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, her sister Margaret (Peggy) Rhoads, her brother-in-law John Wilcox, many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. Arlene is also survived by Loras’ children, Gene (Janet) Maloney, Diane (Kevin) Lorentz, Pat (Don) Jennings, Mark (Trisha) Maloney, Mary (Robert) Wetherell, Greg (Cathy) Maloney, Teresa (Terry) Iiams, and Mike Maloney.  Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Billy Ferrie, her sisters, Evelyn Anderson, Ruth Agne, Kathleen Donohoe, Jackie Wilcox and Patty Schoeberl, granddaughter Micki Jo Duggan, grandson Joseph Duggan, great-granddaughters Mackenzie Lown and Elliana Grace Duggan.

Arlene spent many years taking care of her customers at May’s Drug, JC Penneys, and Econofoods, and developed lasting friendships with her co-workers. She was very proud of her volunteer work at Whitwer Senior Center in Cedar Rapids, and continued there until the center closed in 2008. 

Arlene devoted her life to loving and raising her family. Her strong Catholic faith guided her throughout her lifetime, and her gentle spirit calmed any storm that came her way.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the professional and loving staff at West Ridge Care Center, who all became Arlene’s new family during the past nine months of visitor restrictions. The sacrifices made to assure her care throughout this difficult year can never be repaid. They are truly heroes.

Memorials may be directed to St.  Patrick Catholic Church, 120 5th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405