Arlene Ann McGivern

Arlene Ann (Sochacki) McGivern, 77, passed away at home peacefully with her family and friends on December 21, 2022. She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband of fifty years, Jim McGivern, who died June 13, 2020.  Also, beside her was her loyal tea cup Chihuahua, Penny. 

Born June 6, 1945 in Fisherville, Michigan, Arlene married Jerry Lederer who predeceased her at 41 and had two children, Kim and Starr.   She then met the love of her life, Jim McGivern and created a blended family with his daughter, Amy.    

She is survived by her three children: Kim Michael Lederer, his former wife of 26 years, Dawn Lederer, and three grandchildren: Destiny Christine Grzegorczyk(Darren) and great granddaughters Serenity Grzegorczyk Maddie and great grandson Blake, Zachary Michael Lederer (Chelsea) and great granddaughter, Zoey; and Chance Edward Lederer ,also her twin sister Marlene Endline and her sister Jeanie Sackowiak.

Starr Ann (Miller) Thomas (Robert) and three grandchildren: Mark Miller, Jr.; and Mariah Stender (William) and great grandson William (Liam) Wallace Stender, the most recent precious addition; and Brittany Kunkel and great grandchildren Leah, and Lelan.

Amy Kay Chevaliar and three grandchildren, Tabatha; Shawn and great grandson, Gavin; and Hope and great granddaughters Vivienne and Emery.

Arlene was a strong believer in Christ, bringing all things to him through prayer. She and her husband Jim regularly attended Apostolic Life Church of Bay City.

She also loved to dance, all types, but particularly jazz and tap.  She taught and performed at Rose Urban’s Dance Studio, often joining her daughter Starr and grandchildren in joint performances.  Her affection for music was shared by her husband Jim, who along with his work as an electrician, regularly played guitar and sang with local bands.  Arlene and her growing family of grandchildren and friends regularly became part of his audience.

Arlene was also very creative, painting ceramics and winning awards.  But her true gift was giving to others. She truly had the generosity of her redeemer, listening to others, and giving to those in need willingly and lovingly.  She anticipated with great joy family gatherings and holidays where she could be surrounded by smiling faces.  And if they were not smiling, make them grin. That often included camping up north, riding four-wheelers, and sitting around a campfire. 

But it wasn’t only holidays and birthdays, the McGivern home with Arlene was always available to her family.  Her grandchildren and their friends often stayed up with grandma until dawn playing Rummikub, Bump, and Yahtzee.  As several of her family said, she was always positive, you felt brighter, happier, just being around her and sharing in her contagious laughter.

Family and friends will be celebrating her life on Sunday, June 11th starting at 3:00 at a family barbeque as she would want. The address is 910 13th Street, Bay City MI 48708.

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