Arlean V. (Shutt) Palka, 91, formerly of West Lawn, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 21 at St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst Township, PA, where she resided since June 27th. She was the widow of Thaddeus Palka, who passed in 2013, and together they truly celebrated an incredible 66 years of marriage. Her family takes great comfort in knowing they are reunited again. Born February 14, 1927 in Reading, Arlean was the daughter of the late Elwood and Dorothy (Hullihen) Shutt.

She worked for 26 years at the former AT&T plant in Muhlenberg Township, retiring in 1984 as a Department Chief in Personnel and Labor Relations. She was Vice President of IBEW Local 1898 for five years.

Arlean was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Parish, West Reading, where she volunteered, especially at the church’s parish picnics. She was also a lifetime member of the West Wyomissing Fire Company Auxiliary, and a former member of the Spring Township Recreation Board.

Arlean and Ted always gave back to their community, and were very active in the American Legion West Lawn Owl’s Sports Club, including and the annual Apple Dumpling Festival at the Owl’s Field. She is fondly referred to as the “Matriarch of the Owl’s Organization.”

More than anything, Arlean was totally devoted to her family, especially cherishing time with her grandchildren, always being a terrific “Gran.” She cherished the many family vacations with her children and grandchildren.

Arlean is survived by her daughter Pamela, wife of Jim Kahn, Lake Ariel, PA, and their three children: Stephanie, wife of Randy Ector, Burlington, NC; Lt. Stephen Kahn, husband of Leah, Norfolk, VA; and Brian Kahn, Boise, ID. Also surviving is her brother Allen S. Shutt, husband of Annette, Lewisburg, PA, and her great-granddaughter Samantha Ector.

She was predeceased by two sons: Thaddeus E., husband of Dora, Union, SC, and Lawrence.
A Celebration of Arlean’s long life well-lived will be held Saturday, September 1 at 11:00am at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Friends and family may call at the Funeral Home from 9:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arlean’s honor may be made to the West Lawn Owl’s Sports Club, 2324 Monroe Avenue, West Lawn, PA 19609.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.