Arlene Marie Lux, 83, math teacher and community member dies

Remembering Arlene Marie Lux: A Life of Service in Happy Valley

The community of Happy Valley, Oregon, is reflecting on the life of Arlene Marie Lux, who passed away in Portland on October 27, 2026, at the age of 83. Her passing marks the end of a long, quiet chapter of service and dedication that defined her presence in the Pacific Northwest for decades.

According to the official obituary published by the Mount Scott Funeral Home on Legacy, Arlene was a fixture within the Our Lady of Sorrows parish, where she integrated her religious convictions into her daily interactions with family, friends, and neighbors. Her life was characterized by a consistent, hands-on approach to community—whether through the classroom, the garden, or the kitchen.

The Legacy of a Local Educator

Arlene’s professional life was anchored in education, where she served as a math teacher. Her approach to instruction was reportedly mirrored in her personal life, where she was known for a willingness to share her knowledge and resources with those around her. In an era where the role of the neighborhood mentor has shifted, Arlene represented a traditional model of community involvement that prioritized long-term commitment to a single parish and local social circle.

Her family, including her sisters Luanne Strandberg, Suzanne Callan, and Christine Krause, along with a wide network of ten nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews, remember her as a woman of generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Vicky Lux.

Community Impact and Funeral Arrangements

The transition of a long-standing member of a parish like Our Lady of Sorrows often ripples through the local community, highlighting the importance of the social safety nets provided by religious organizations. For many in the Portland area, these parishes serve as the primary hub for multi-generational support and charitable outreach.

The family has organized a series of services to celebrate her life and honor her commitment to the church:

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Funeral Mass: Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Reception: A lunch will follow the service in the parish hall.
Internment: To follow at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested that those wishing to honor her memory consider a donation directly to Our Lady of Sorrows. This request reflects her lifelong dedication to the institution that served as the focal point of her social and spiritual life.

Reflecting on Local Traditions

As Portland continues to experience rapid demographic shifts and urban development, the loss of individuals who have maintained decades-long ties to specific neighborhood institutions serves as a reminder of the changing nature of local identity. The Catholic parish system in Oregon has historically provided a framework for stability and community engagement that remains vital for many aging residents.

The upcoming funeral services offer a space for the community to gather, providing a moment of pause in a city that is often defined by its rapid growth. Arlene’s life stands as a testament to the quiet, persistent work of maintaining community bonds through faith and education.

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