Arlene Dornbach

Arlene Frances Dornbach (nee Hellmann), age 76, passed away Tuesday August 24, 2021, after her 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is survived by her son David (Stephany) Dornbach, and her grandchildren Katelyn Dornbach, Alley Dornbach and Justin Dornbach. She is also survived by her son Brian Dornbach Sr. and her grandchildren Brian Dornbach Jr., JR Dornbach and Dusten Dornbach. Additionally, she is survived by 5 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Frank Hellmann, mother, Gertrude (nee Veeneman) Hellmann and brother, Jack (Joan) Hellmann.

Arlene grew up in Covington Kentucky and graduated in 1963 from Mount Notre Dame Academy. She raised her children as a stay-at-home mom until her kids were teenagers. Over her career, she was employed by McAlpin’s, Ellis & Watt, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace in Florida and finally Guardian Angels Parish. She retired in 2010 after working for Guardian Angels where she served as an administrative assistant for both the parish and the school. During her 14-year tenure there, she was loved by countless students, parents and staff for her tireless efforts, caring disposition, and deep compassion for her GA family. Arlene was a woman of deep faith and joined her family as a long-time member of Saint Veronica Church.

Without a doubt, her most rewarding roles in life were that of mother to her children and grandmother to her grandchildren. She was gentle, kind, compassionate, and was always intent on making her time with people meaningful. She was an amazing listener and always gave advice with the utmost grace and compassion. She enjoyed many things in life and made many happy memories thanks to her fun and fearless spirit. She often surprised even those who knew her best with her adventurous and live-in-the moment nature. She loved music and dancing and was unafraid to be the center of attention if the right song was playing. Amazingly, even as her Alzheimer’s progressed and she had difficulty speaking, the words always came back to her in song. Until her final days, singing and dancing with her was one of her family’s most cherished memories.

Arlene will be deeply missed by all that were blessed to know her. But she leaves behind a legacy of deep and unwavering love. A character trait that her children and grandchildren will hold with them through the rest of their days and continue to pass down in generations to come.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Anderson Township on Monday August 30th. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 9am and the funeral mass will begin at 10am. The mass will be livestreamed at https://www.church.ihom.org , beginning at 10am. There will be a private interment ceremony for immediate family only held at Guardian Angels Cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH. 45203
https://www.alz.org/cincinnati