MERIDEN, Conn. - Arlene Jeanet (Berry) James, 78, of Meriden, and formerly of Readfield, Maine, passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at Meriden Center, Meriden. She was born in Augusta on Oct. 15, 1929, the only child of the late Frederick E. and Bertha L. (Howell) Berry. She graduated from Hallowell High School in 1949 and was a secretary with Murray Machinery Co. in Augusta, Maine, prior to moving to Connecticut in 1952. She was a secretary with Allied Control Co. in Plantsville and later with the drapery hardware division of The Stanley Works in Wallingford. She also worked as a restaurant manager in the Meriden area. In 1981, she moved to Greenwich and became a private duty certified nursing assistant, working with the elderly, and returned to the Meriden area upon her retirement. She was a member of AARP and Meriden Senior Center, and was an avid bowler who earned several trophies in earlier years. She also enjoyed fishing and nature and being at the lake or ocean as much as possible. She had a great love for all animals but her greatest love of all was for Pekingese, many of which were her companions for many years. Arlene is survived by her friend of more than 70 years, Evelyn A. Potter, and her family, of Readfield; and several cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where a celebration of Arlene's life will begin at 2 p.m., with pastor Peter Inchcombe officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Old St. Mary's Cemetery, Augusta. Because of her love for animals, Arlene's wishes were that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330; or the animal shelter of one's choice. www.khrfuneralhomes.com