Arleen Gerson Taffel, aged 61, lost her hard-fought battle of 11 years to ovarian cancer on Apr. 28, 2010. She is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Marty; son, Myles Taffel of Chicago; daughter, Alison Taffel of New York; mother, Evelyn Gerson; sister and brother-in-law, Shelley and Scott Kenith; niece Jillian; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine and Bubba Pollock; nephews and nieces Mark and Judy Pollock, Kenneth and Linda Pollock and Randy Pollock; and several great-nieces and nephews, all of Atlanta. She was predeceased by father Joe Gerson and brother Randy Gerson.

Arleen was a kindergarten teacher for 40 years, including 30 loving years at Mt. Bethel Elementary School in Marietta, where she is a legacy. She impacted the lives of countless children and parents, and was a mentor to young teachers. Arleen cherished every moment she spent with her “kids,” and the students and their parents in turn loved her.

Teaching was her life, and she continued to teach even when she was very ill. She taught each and every one of us to live life to its fullest.

We want to give special thanks to Dr. Benedict Benigno and team for providing continuous inspiration and medical support during her extended illness.