Theodora Jane Arnell, 86 of Otselic, New York passed away peacefully September 9, 2017 in Walden, Vermont.
Teddi Jane was born in Brooklyn, New York to Edward C. Haas and Theodora Compton on July 7, 1931. The only child, she had an adventurous life. In her early years, she lived with her Uncle Maurice and Aunt Opal Haas, traveling extensively in the West residing in South Dakota, Texas and Mexico. She returned East to live with family in Newburgh, New York. She was a very independent child who had a passion for learning and reading. An outstanding student she was an avid reader, a gift passed down thru multiple generations, from her grandmother Jennie Mae Pickering, a descendant of American settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
She returned the New York to live with her father, a Manhattan Project research scientist who served with the Department of Navy.
She graduated from William C. Bryant high school, and attended Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, majoring in violin with a minor in piano. As an adult student, she went on to earn degrees in biology from SUNY Oneonta and Colgate University.
Teddi Jane is preceded in death by her parents and husband Robert J. Arnell Jr. In 1949, she married Robert J. Arnell Jr. and both were teachers in Otselic Valley Central School. After retirement, they established Arnell Music in Norwich, New York and Teddi continued to follow her passion, as a faculty member teaching science at SUNY Morrisville, Norwich.
Bob and Teddi Arnell were deeply committed to the Norwich Community and were passionate about the environment and peace movement. Because of their experience of WW II, they were concerned with America’s intervention in Iraq and demonstrated every week for several years on Broad Street.
Teddi Jane is survived by her children Barbara S. MacLennan, spouse Thomas MacLennan and grandson Christopher MacLennan; COL Robert J. Arnell III, spouse Robin (Smith) and grandson Robert J. Arnell IV, and spouse Diana (Vogel) great-granddaughter Ruth V. Arnell, grandson Christian J Arnell, great granddaughter Olivia L. Arnell; and Marc C. Arnell, spouse Anne Murphy, granddaughters Catherine and Elizabeth Arnell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road, 32, Norwich, New York. https://chenangospca.org/
She was our St. Francis of Assisi who loved all animals especially cats. Felix will miss her, a constant companion at her side.
A private ceremony will be held in Norwich, with reception to follow. Contact Martha Ryan at the Norwich Dance Club (607) 334-7526 to make a reservation.