Arlene Ruth Bansal passed away in the early morning hours of July 13, 2019. Beloved daughter of Arthur Fredrick Hansen and Lois Mae Hansen, she is survived by her only child and son, Dilip K. Bansal, her sister Donna J. Daugherty, brother-in-law Robert M. Daugherty and nephews Scott and Tom Turner. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she lived the last fifty years in Phoenix, Arizona.
Arlene, after graduating High School in the 1950’s, attended Bob Jones University, where she earned a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts. Following graduation, she earned her Masters Degree in Library Science from the prestigious University of Chicago. Being the adventurous type, never turning down an opportunity to learn, travel and serve, she took a job with United States Agency for International Development, as a librarian, in New Delhi, India, where she met and married her late husband Raj K. Bansal.
The lifetime friendships Arlene developed as a child in Chicago, her work and studies as a young woman at Bob Jones University, her residence at University of Chicago’s International House, her worldwide travels, friends, and marriage in India, became the backbone, strength and foundation of her adult life.
Arlene raised a family in Phoenix, Arizona, spent her time with her many friends, numerous clubs, groups and philanthropic organizations while working full-time developing her career as a librarian, leading her to the Director position of Arizona State Librarian, for the Libraries of Archives and Public Records, until her retirement in the 1990’s. Upon retirement, she continued on a mission to better the lives of many throughout the remainder of life.
She will be missed. Until we meet again. A special person; a special friend; a special sister; a special mother; a special life.
Words from a son.
Her life celebration, service and reception will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85018, Saturday, August 3, 2019, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM, Condolences may be expressed on www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Donna Thompson
Arlene was an important member of our book club hosting us with delicious made from scratch meals. She opened her home to people who might otherwise be alone on holidays. She helped immigrants get adjusted to the US. She was very disciplined in her English usage. She was a very caring, kind, curious, intelligent woman who saw herself as a problem solver. She practiced her religion daily. She will be missed! Condolences to Dilip.
Jean B. Ferguson
Oh to have the brevity of Donna Thompson! Many of her comments need to be underscored, beginning with Arlene’s kind, caring and intelligent commitment to assisting people in need. One long-standing example of her commitment is how we met in 1978 when, as Dir. of the AZ. Library of Archives and Public Records Arlene served on an Advisory Board to provide Radio Reading Service for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Sun Sounds of AZ, which still serves people and programs the world over.
Having ancestors in Holland, Arlene traveled the “extra mile” to learn more about the history of her family, and visited Holland during the 500th Anniversary of Tulips. And Donna’s mentioning Arlene’s culinary creativity reminded me of the unnumbered spices that lined the shelves of Arlene’s kitchen cupboards, that she used to spice up the authentic exotic Eastern Indian dishes.
Shifting from specific experiences and talents, there is one characteristic of Arlene’s to mention; her ability and willingness to forgive. Once when we were raking the ground of a small Peach Orchard she nursed, I ignorantly and overzealously managed to trim the low-hanging branches of the trees, decimating the Peach Harvest. While initially devastated, Arlene then, and whenever we’d look back on the incident, forgave my more-than-unthinking action.
Her ability to forgive was integral to her willingness and ability to listen with compassion, and without judgment, no matter the concern or circumstance. She had a wise, comforting way to discuss any matter, and was able to inject a light-hearted sense of humor. And, in today’s world of unimaginable ills born out of fear and hate, such might crush another’s compassionate and caring spirit. But for Arlene, living with grave health challenges herself; her faithful, loving and untiring Spirit never faltered. And I am so very grateful for her loving friendship through the years and over the miles.
And Dilip, you have always been in the center of your Mom’s heart, mind and spirit. And what a gift you have been for one another. Such can never be forgotten. With love and gratitude for you and your always being at your Mom’s side, All Best ~
Yvonne Daizadeh
I will sorely miss my dearest friend, Arlene. Arlene was always there for me when I needed her. She has been a joy to be with for the last 40 years. We have shared adventures together, read books and discussed them, and comforted each other.
When I lived in Scottsdale we shared holiday celebrations, enjoyed our families together. After moving to California, Arlene would visit ( once we even trudged up the coast and walked on Pismo Beach) ,and I would spend time in Phoenix…enjoying movies and all that wonderful food that Arlene loved to cook. there were so many good times.
Best wishes to you Delip….my deepest condolences…
Cheryl Comer
My condolece to Dilip Basal, Arlene’s only child. You stood a faithful watch over your mother’s difficult health problems to the very end.
Arlene and I were next door neighbors on 49th Place in Phoenix.. It did ‘t take long for us to become good friends. I admired Arlene for her kind and caring ways, her intelligence and her anylitical thinking. She was a fascinating and adventurous woman, a woman of faith and courage. I kidsat Dilip for 3 summers. Dilip was a year younger than my son John and a about 3 years older than my son Jeff. We took him with us where ever we went, movies, swimming or any other activities we had. He was like a part of our family. I shall miss my friend Arlene. God go with you!
Halina Czerniejewski
Condolences to you, Dilip. Your mother and I became friends through the Heard Museum Council. I loved her sense of humor, her energy, her extensive knowledge and how she continued to work with the Council despite illness. When we worked on the Appraisal Days, I loved her steady approach in so many circumstances. I learned so much from her.
I’m sorry this is so late – my condolences. We had lost touch. The last thing we talked about was getting together to see foreign films playing in town. And that was quite a while ago, obviously.
I would say, may she Rest In Peace, but truly, I can envision her still working hard, being so involved in different groups, and traveling traveling.