Arlene (Jacobson) Tetenbaum passed away peacefully at her home in Eagle’s Trace Senior Living, Houston, Texas shortly after celebrating her 92nd birthday, surrounded by family.
Born in Sanford, Florida, Arlene was the cherished daughter of Manuel and Hannah Jacobson and the beloved sister of Sherwood Jacobson. She was married to Charles Tetenbaum, with whom she shared great love and commitment, from the age of 14 until his passing in 2020. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.
Arlene is survived by her children, Terri Siegel (Mark), Ron Tetenbaum (Risa), and Susan Sayfan (Meir Michael). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jeff Siegel (Elaine), Claire Siegel (Jonathan Ganthier), Julia Siegel, Eric Tetenbaum, Ben Tetenbaum, Hadar Sayfan, and Gil Sayfan, and a doting great-grandmother to Leo Siegel, Elliot Siegel, and Leila Ganthier. She also leaves behind extended family including the flower girls from her wedding, nieces, Leslie Lefkowitz (David) and Meg Jacobson (Russell Pritchett), and her nephew, Ross Jacobson (Diane).
A 1955 graduate of Duke University, Arlene served as president of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. After marrying, she and Charles lived in Sanford, Florida and managed the family owned retail, real estate, and citrus businesses. Arlene entered the education field during a teacher shortage by stepping in to teach her daughter Terri’s elementary class, later going on to teach American History at Seminole High School—where all three of her children were her students.
After retiring, Arlene and Charles resided in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida and enjoyed an active life filled with activities—especially travel aboard cruise ships with family and friends. Arlene founded and led the Brandeis National Committee, Daytona Beach. In 2015, they moved to The Mayflower at Winter Park independent living where Arlene facilitated its Distinguished Lecture Series. In 2022, following Hurricane Ian’s damage to her home, Arlene—at 89—relocated to Houston, near Terri, with just a mobility scooter, a wheelchair, four suitcases, and her beloved cat to Eagle’s Trace. She quickly became a vibrant part of the community, contributing to the Dining Committee, Book Club, and Mah Jong group.
Arlene will be remembered for her sharp intellect, strong opinions, resilience, and enduring optimism. A lifelong learner and avid reader, she had Doris Kearns Goodwin’s "Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream" on reserve at the library at the time of her passing. She was a firm believer in the American promise, grounded in her understanding of history and faith in human perseverance. She embraced technology to stay connected with family, friends, and the wider world—mastering nearly everything except her television.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Teresa Gomez, who cared for Arlene with compassion and warmth after her move to Texas.
A private family gathering will be held in her memory in Houston. Arlene’s final resting place will be at the Temple Israel Cemetery in Gotha, Florida, beside Charles, their parents, and other treasured family members and friends.
Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.
