Arlene Joy (Hoffman) Poltrock

Arlene Poltrock, 92, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, just days before her 93rd birthday. She was born on January 30, 1933, in Drums, Pennsylvania, to Anna and Howard Hoffman.

Arlene spent her life deeply rooted in faith, family, and community.  Music was a central part of her life and ministry, and her dedication to the church spanned decades.  She served as church organist and choir director for 68 years, spending the last 30 of those at St John’s Lutheran Church in Drums. Outside the church, Arlene built a long career in the transportation sector working for Karn’s and later for Conrail. After some time outside the state, she and her husband, Tom, retired to Drums in 1989, returning to the community that had shaped her early life.

Arlene was widely known for her generosity and tireless service to her church family. She became renowned for organizing St. John’s beloved shoofly pie sales and sausage suppers, events that brought the community together year after year. She joyfully shared her talents for baking and cooking, always eager to contribute wherever she was needed.

To her family and those who knew her, Arlene was a refuge of love, support, strength and optimism – always cheerful, always engaged, and always ready to help or enjoy a good laugh.

Arlene was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and sons, Thomas and Jim. She is survived by her sister, Esther Booth; her nieces, Anne Booth Brockett, Jill Booth Wadsworth, Judy Taganini, and nephew Andrew Faytko; as well as 3 great-nieces, a great-nephew, and several cousins. Her life and legacy will be remembered with deep gratitude by her family, friends, the many members of her church community, and all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life service will be held on April 18th at 11am at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Drums. The family will be receiving family and friends from 10am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mundie Fund at St. Johns Lutheran Church, PO Box 2, 772 St. Johns Road, St. Johns.

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