Arlette Christianne Pauline Heeb—age 87—passed away peacefully in her daughter's arms on January 16 ^th , 2025 in her South Daytona home. After many years of care due to her Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions diagnosed in 2016, she maintained incredible strength while slowly beginning her journey to be with her late husband. She is preceded in death by her parents Claire and George Wilmouth, three brothers Alain, Bob, and Claude, as well as her loving husband Robert of 65 years. She is survived by her sister, Colette, daughters, Maryline and Monique, Son-in-Law Scott, seven grandchildren, R.C. Barnhart and wife Heather, Chrissy Howe and husband Derek, Matthew Collins, Ryan Collins, Jessica Collins, Nikkita Farmer and husband Chris, Timothy Eishen, and three great-grandchildren, Aiden Hall, Carson Barnhart, Derek Howe Jr., as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arlette was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France on September 24, 1937. She deeply loved her parents, her siblings, and all of her relatives and friends in France. While growing up, she attended a Catholic school for girls. She talked about how hard school was, but her favorite time of day was getting to come home for a two-hour lunch. At a young age, Arlette met Robert as he came through her town on his motorcycle. She loved riding with him when he visited and then in 1956, they married in the Cathedral in Toul, France. She spent her life here until age 22 and then made the grand voyage by ship to the United States with her husband, two-year old daughter, Maryline, and all the belongings they could fit inside two trunks. She was very passionate about her French traditions and continued to live by them. Going back home to see her family was always a very special time for her.

Once arriving at the U.S., they started their new life in Alexandria, Virgina through the help of Sis and Bernard, their sponsors. After Robert found employment, they purchased their first house in Woodbridge, Virginia. Arlette adored this home. Here, she gardened and filled her backyard with fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers. She had quite the green thumb. Eventually, Robert built Arlette her own sewing room where she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, creating Christmas decorations, and many more crafts. She even created clothes, such as designing and sewing her own traditional dress from the Alsace-Lorraine region to wear to her official citizenship ceremony in 1974. Arlette was a proud and hardworking housewife who diligently took care of the home and her family. She hosted many events at the house where her amazing French cooking and baking were the star. She also used her skills to earn extra money for the household. She ironed clothing, sewed wedding dresses, provided day care for a couple of neighbors' children, and would also color and style hair for many of her friends.

Arlette was very social and enjoyed meeting people. She had many who she loved and became her American family. She was everyone's Memere and TaTa, and shared so many wonderful memories and good times with them all. She was dedicated to maintaining those relationships and regularly visited her friends, often spending time playing card games together. She would bring homemade treats like her French beignets, pound cake and rosettes to share.

In 2006, Arlette and Robert moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to live with their daughter Monique and her immediate family. She joined the LDS church in Farragut and met many wonderful people who became close friends, including their home teachers. Shortly after their move, Arlette and Robert celebrated their Golden Anniversary all the way through 65 years of marriage. They preserved their culture by speaking French regularly and always giving each other a kiss good morning and good night every day. They were rarely ever apart and practically inseparable. However, during her time in Knoxville, Arlette got her first job. She was so excited to get her first ever paycheck.

Living in a full house, Arlette enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved cooking and sharing many meals with them. She participated in many of their activities and was the best cheerleader. She was also competitive and brought extra excitement to family game nights.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. She would thoroughly decorate her home inside and out at the start of November. She baked many cookies to give away to neighbors and friends. When all the neighborhood children were little, she would take them Christmas caroling. She also made present opening fun and could hold a world record for being the fastest un-wrapper.

Arlette made one more move in her life. She left Tennessee with her daughter, Monique, and her family in 2023 and headed to Florida. She loved the sunshine, the palm trees, bird watching, picnicking, and walking on beaches to find seashells.

This is a tribute to represent all the goodness and smiles she was made of, as well as her big heart full of unconditional love. Her daughters are so proud of her and will miss her deeply. Her memory will continue to inspire those whose hearts she has touched throughout her life.

A special thank you to my parents' dear friend Pierrot Bister in France for staying in contact with me and keeping all of our French families informed about Arlette. Also, thank you to all the staff at Hallifax Hospice for your support in her care.

There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1125 6 ^th St, Daytona Beach, FL 32117. This date will be announced at a later time.