Arlene M. Brands
Arlene M. Brands, 86, a lifelong resident of Oxford, N.J. passed away peacefully on August 5, 2017 under the care of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Fredon, N.J.
She was born on February 18, 1931 in Oxford, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Kathryn (Pohl) and Frederick Melberger. Her husband George Brands preceded her death in 2010, they were married for 60 years. Arlene was a graduate of Washington High School Class of 1948 and a graduate of The Empire Beauty School.
She was the owner of The Unique Beauty Salon, President of The Warren County Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Association and served as a Councilwoman on the Oxford Township Committee. She started and organized the Oxford Furnace Young at Heart Senior Citizen Club. With her husband George, they owned and operated Brands’ Christmas Tree Farm. Her hobbies included baking, dancing, playing bingo, and traveling to Florida with her husband George. Arlene was a member of the Oxford Colonial United Methodist Church, Oxford, N.J.
Survivors include her two sons, Brian, and his wife Suzanne Schott Brands of Washington Twp., NJ and Brent, and his wife Janice Grillo Brands of Oxford Twp., NJ and six grandchildren, Scott, Nicholas, Lauren, Stacey, Kyle, and Taylor Brands; a brother Frederick Melberger Jr. and his wife Joan; sister Burdean Bell and her husband Ralph, all of Oxford, N.J. In addition to her parents, a brother Gary P. Melberger all died earlier.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Arlene’s name to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.
