Obituary of Nancy Lynn Arena

Bedford – Nancy Lynn Arena, 75, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Born May 27, 1948, in Bloomington, she was the daughter of John and Phyllis (Stillions) Jeskewich. She was a 1966 graduate of Bedford High School, and on October 23, 1966, she married Michael Dale Arena, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years until his passing earlier this year. Nancy was a beautiful soul in every sense of the word, and was one of the kindest, sweetest people you could ever meet. She was a devout Christian and a member of Southland Church of Christ. Nancy also loved to fish and play pinochle with her family and friends. In fact, on August 5, 2022, in what will go down as one of the most epic games in the history of three-handed pinochle, Nancy accomplished a one-in-a-million feat by pulling every trick (called a pinochle), much to the dismay of her husband and son. Even though Nancy had several health issues throughout the years, and most recently had been grieving the deaths of her daughter and husband, she was grateful, resilient, sweet (well, most of the time), and to those who knew her best, she was the essence of strength. She will certainly leave an indelible mark on the hearts of her friends and family, all of whom loved her very much and will miss her every day forward. Survivors include her brother, Mike Jeskewich and wife, Carla, of Bedford; her sister, Sally Meridith and husband, Roger, of Bloomington; her son, Sam Arena and wife, Azure, of Carmel; and her granddaughter, Alyson Arena, whom she loved dearly and spoiled every time she saw her. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Phyllis Jeskewich, her husband, Michael Arena, and her daughter, Mandy Arena. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Bud Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service on Saturday, at the Day & Carter Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to L.I.F.E. Pantry. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.