Arlene Anita Reich (Walker)
March 12, 1941
– January 9, 2026
Arlene Anita Reich (Walker), 84, of Pikesville, MD, passed away peacefully January 9, 2026. Arlene was born in Brooklyn, NY. At seven years old, she and her family moved to East Patchogue to live on the bay and build Patchogue Shores Yacht Basin and Marina. Arlene had many adventures living in urban and rural areas across New York, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Her education spanned diverse fields, creating a foundation for a successful career in Real Estate, a charismatic personality, and an ability to connect with anyone. Arlene was a bright beam of positivity and joy. Her laughter was contagious, and her smile lit up a room.
While attending Bellport High School, Arlene won various beauty pageants (Long Island Beauty Queen and Queen of the Advertising Association) and was the captain of the Volleyball Team. In her late teens and early 20s, she was a model for artist Rafael De Soto, resulting in countless paintings, comic book, and pulp fiction book covers. In the mid- 1960s, Arlene worked as a Flight Attendant for American Airlines, until she was recruited by A & M Rosenthal Dessy Creations as New England/Canadian Bridal Gown Sales Representative. She also attended New York School of Interior Design, where she received a certificate in Interior Decorating. In the late 1970s, Arlene attended Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture (New York) and received her Beautician/Hairstylist License. In 1998, Arlene received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Concord University. However, Real Estate was Arlene’s passion, and she practiced for 20 years holding licenses in New York, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Arlene was an independent woman raising her children alone – and beautifully balanced work and motherhood. She lovingly called her children her “greatest accomplishment.” Arlene pursued a Norman Rockwell-like existence for her family, instilling a love of nature. She loved snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, hiking, gardening, and swimming in the ocean as a family.
Arlene was a beloved member of the Pikesville, MD, community, where she enjoyed art museums, concerts, being with family, and playing Scrabble and Dominoes. Arlene is survived by her children, Erika (Paul) Bruce of Daphne, AL, Jessica (Matthew) Zinder of Annapolis, MD, and Michael (Sara) Reich of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, Ariel, Erin, Logan, Sofia, Vivian, Olivia, and Savannah; and her brother, Eric. Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Raymond Carlson; and her brother, Raymond.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 14, 2026, at 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Art League of Ocean City, MD.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arlene Anita Walker please visit www.simplicitycfs.com/obituaries/arlene-walker-3/.
