Arlene Susan (Puisto) Vittone

BESSEMER, Mich. - It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce our beloved wife, mom and grandma, Arlene Susan (Puisto) Vittone, died suddenly at home in Bessemer at the age of 82 on Oct. 12, 2022.

She was predeceased by her parents, Axel and Helvi Puisto; her sisters, Lynn Palmquist and Karen Barton; and daughter, Rochelle (Shelley) Gustafson, Kimball, Wisconsin.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard Vittone, Bessemer; sister, Deanna Calloway and brother, Dennis Puisto; her children, Peri (Mark) Rund, Bessemer, Melanie (Scott) Hitz, Hatley, Wisconsin, and Griffin (Amber) Vittone, Orlando, Florida; her grandchildren, Nick Gustafson, Grant (Lauren) Gustafson, Tricia Hernandez, Lindsay Walters, Mason Cvengros and Sienna Vittone; and her great-grandchildren, Antonio Rund and Gianni Hernandez.

Arlene was born in Ironwood, on Oct. 29, 1939, and graduated in 1957 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. She had a passion for teddy bears which she turned into a very successful career as the proprietor of Teddies n' Friends in Bessemer. She was featured in an article in the Ironwood Daily Globe about the store and her own teddy bear collection at home. Prior to that she was co-owner of the Enchanted House gift shop in Bessemer.

She was an honor student who coordinated her high school class reunions. She loved to read and do crossword puzzles. She had a talent for crafting and made many beautiful things for her home and family over the years. She cherished her friendships with her classmates and enjoyed visiting her in-laws and special friends.

Above all, Arlene's greatest love was for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride and joy in watching them grow and in their accomplishments. Her home was her favorite place to be where she excelled in decorating for the holidays. She spent all of her adult life with the love of her life. They enjoyed raising their children together, traveling together and hosting parties. She was her husband's biggest supporter in all their endeavors. She made the best antipasto, spaghetti with meatballs and lemon meringue pie!

At her request, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of life will be held in late spring or early summer and will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be sent by mail to her husband, Richard Vittone, at 400 W. Lead St., Bessemer, MI 49911, or online to peri@mtaonline.net.

The family would like to thank Jerald Rocco, Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., for his compassionate and impeccable service in assisting them with arrangements.