On her birthday, Saturday, October 24, 2015, Arlene Kotash Pinkasiewicz, 78, of Fairmount, soared home with the angels at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, she was a graduate of Vocational High School. Arlene worked in insurance for more than 35 years, originally with Unity Life Insurance Co. and retiring as executive assistant from Royal Insurance Co. Years ago, she operated her own daycare from her home and also sold clothing for Minnesota Woolen Co. A communicant of Holy Family Church, Arlene was also a Eucharistic minister. She loved polka dancing and cooking. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Tillie Kotash. Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Michael; children, Michael (Heidi) Pinkasiewicz of Sterling, VA, Lori (Larry) Biggs and Lisa Avila, both of Fairmount; sister, Florence (Robert) Bregande of Liverpool; grandchildren, Larry, Nicholas, Ashley, Alyssa and Nasir; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Nicholas Jr., and Nathan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, October 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, October 28 at 1 p.m. in Holy Family Church. Arlene will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.