Nature Done Wright

I am sorry to report that long-time Fyke member Arlene Laverty has died. Many of us knew her from the Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park 

Arleen was a wonderful woman who loved nature and who was always updating us on Monarch butterfly migrations and other wonders that too many of us tend to take for granted.

She wrote the following a year ago, entitled "One Step Closer to Spring" and accompanied with a photo:

"I found this little frog sunning himself in my pond today — it is only a little one, but I am sure by the end of the summer it will have grown considerably! I hope it isn't a bird eater like so many of them have been! Over the years I have never seen a polliwog in my pond — the little frogs just appear in the spring fully developed." 

Her obituary follows.

LAVERTY, Arlene H., age 71 of Wyckoff, died peacefully surrounded by her children on Wednesday, February, 29, 2012. Born in Passaic, Arlene lived in Franklin Lakes before moving to Wyckoff 48 years ago. She was one of the first female small engine mechanics for Sears. Arlene worked for Sears for 28 years before following her passion for the outdoors. Her love of birds brought her to the Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park where she was the manager for the past 5 years. Arlene was a member of the Fyke Nature Association in Allendale and was a former member of the Wyckoff Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She was avid gardener, her backyard was certified by the World Wildlife Federation as a bird sanctuary. Surviving are her devoted children, Eric Laverty of Wyckoff, William Laverty of Highland Lakes and Cean Laverty of Stockholm. Arlene also leaves her adoring grandchildren, William, Jr. and Marley and her brother Ralph Gruenlen of Vernon, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fyke Nature Association, (www.fykenature.org) P.O. Box 141, Ramsey, NJ 07446. Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff.