Marylu Arrigotti, age 85, went peacefully to Heaven on August 17, surrounded by her family in her Portland home, from heart-related issues, perhaps because she was so full of love! Although she spent nearly two years with home hospice care preparing for her journey, in her final weeks she spoke with loving anticipation of reuniting with her parents and the love of her life, Ray.

She was born in Portland to Mary and George Dulcich. She attended Cleveland High School, then earned a Bachelor of Speech and Drama degree from the University of Portland. In 1956, she married Raymond John Arrigotti, who passed away in 2010, after 53 years of marriage. Later in life, she earned a Master of Education from the University of Portland. A longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, ‘Mrs. A’ taught at Sacred Heart School for 17 years, specializing in Social Studies and Drama.

Marylu’s children are forever grateful that she gently instilled lifelong values, such as deep personal faith, kindness, service to others, love of music and theatre, belief in the magic of Christmas and Disney, and most importantly, how to love!

One of her lifelong passions was the theatre. She wrote, directed, acted, stage managed, built sets, and procured props and costumes at Sacred Heart, St Mary’s Academy, Christ the King, Lakewood Theatre, Cinnamon Bear Christmas Show, and others. Highlights included The Music Man at St. Mary’s starring Donald O’Connor, who also became a friend, and meeting one of the von Trapp family while directing The Sound of Music. She earned the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award in 1997 for her volunteer work with students in speech and drama.

Marylu had a deep concern for young people who faced challenges with family life, addictions, or the law. She provided guidance and love, and helped them get back on track, and go on to lead successful, productive lives. Several credit her with saving their lives or keeping them from a life in prison. She was like a mother or grandmother to many.

Marylu is survived by her son George Arrigotti (Betty); daughters Raemarie Arrigotti, Laureen Arrigotti Schiller (Robert), and Coralynn Arrigotti Petrie; grandchildren Melissa Cellini (Jon), Theresa Bettale (Patrick), Kathleen Arrigotti (Jack Burgess), Jennifer Friend (Roy), David Arrigotti (Mike Smith), Nicholas and Zachary Schiller, Audra Petrie (Kirk Webster), Evan Petrie; and great-grandchildren Aria, Wynter, Mina, Siena, Gio, Gabriel, Roy, Hannah and Madeline; many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and Marylu’s beloved dog, Minnie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Academy Arrigotti Scholarship (1615 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97201), or the Sacred Heart Food Pantry (3910 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97202).