Arlene Bordignon

Arlene Ann Bordignon (Jennings) passed away February 22, 2025, with family by her side. Born May 31, 1942 to parents Alfred and Isabelle, she grew up in Vancouver and Richmond. Her father passed prior to her 13th birthday. Her mother later married Edward Williams (deceased 1977) who became an integral part of her life, as did her extended family of Aunts, Uncles and cousins which included many childhood summers in Caycuse Logging Camp and Lake Cowichan area.

Being an only child, Arlene vowed she would have lots of children, which she did. Married in 1958 to Daniel McLeod, they lived in Buntzen Lake, only accessible by boat. She was not impressed with this remote lifestyle and soon they settled in East Vancouver. Between 1960 and 1965, they had three daughters, Debbie, Darlene (deceased 1981) and Colleen. Arlene lost her mother Isabelle in 1970 to complications associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, this later affecting Arlene herself.

Arlene loved music and dancing, she would often go to the Shangri-la, where she met Ben Bordignon. In 1975, they were married in Reno Nevada, lived in Burnaby and later settled in Port Coquitlam. This unity created what we refer to as the “Brady Bunch” combining Arlene’s 3 daughters and Ben’s 2 children Annette and Russell, and four more born between 1975 and 1985, Michelle, Marc, Jeff and Carla.

Showing her passion for kids, she was an exceptional homemaker to her 7 children, 2 stepchildren and 8 grandchildren. She loved Elvis, hockey, talk radio and CNN news channel. She babysat several family friends’ kids in the home and in the early 1990’s started working at PoCo Dots Daycare while also working for School District 43. She was a constant at Terry Fox Secondary fulfilling her role as noon hour supervisor until she retired in June 2013. Later that same year, she went on her dream trip to Graceland to see Elvis Presley’s home. She attended his 1957 concert at Empire Stadium, an event that was talked about often throughout her life. Her love for Elvis began as a teenager in the 1950’s and was passed on to all her children.

Arlene was always inclusive and giving. She would often donate to the NW Orphans Fund and you would find her supporting any and all local youth organizations. She would volunteer her time where she could for school committees and sporting events. In her down time, you would find her doing various crafts in her early years as well as reading the Vancouver Sun, listening to Elvis, CFUN, CKNW talk radio and watching Larry King on CNN. Her coffee maker worked overtime while she hosted many social gatherings. May she rest easy knowing the coffee is on and the door is open.

She is survived by her children, Debbie, Colleen, Michelle (spouse Angelo), Marc (spouse Elena), Jeff (spouse Elaine) and Carla (spouse Arron), and granddaughters, Cassidy, Elizabeth, Ryleigh, Emma, Sophie and Teagan, her stepchildren Annette, Russell, and grandchildren Derrick and Lindsay.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rheumatoid Arthritis and/or Dementia.

A celebration of our mom’s life will be held in May, please contact the family for details.