Arlen Ruth Kelly St. John (Mimi), 88, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, September 12, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1937, to the late Hugh and Ruth Kelly.

Arlen graduated in 1955 from Towson High School, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society. She went on to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting in 1959. A dedicated student and member of the Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity, Arlen's time at Maryland was marked by her sisterhood in the Delta Gamma Sorority, where she forged lifelong friendships. As President of the sorority, she remained deeply involved with both Delta Gamma and the Panhellenic Association, continuing her support throughout her life.

During the summers of her high school and college years, Arlen worked at the Maryland Training School for Boys, gaining valuable experience in various clerical roles.

In the late 1970s, Arlen combined her business acumen with her love of design to found Arlen Ltd., a home building, restoration and remodeling company. She also became a licensed real estate agent, allowing her to continue pursuing her passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces.  After leaving the real estate world, she started Kelly's Kollections Bridal shop in the heart of Towson.  She continued the bridal shop until retirement.  These professional endeavors were a reflection of her entrepreneurial spirit and love for design.

Though her academic background was in accounting, Arlen's true passion lay in interior design. Her creative talents led to her designing a room for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Decorator Show House, a project that she took great pride in. Throughout her life, Arlen was also known for her unwavering commitment to volunteerism, contributing her time and energy to a wide array of organizations, including McDonogh School, Delta Gamma, Paint & Powder, the Baltimore Symphony, Baltimore Opera Guild, the Lutherville Garden Club, and many others.

In 2016, Arlen moved to Edenwald Retirement Community, where she quickly became the unofficial party and event planner. She brought a sense of excitement and creativity to the community, organizing Sunday night movie nights, leading bus tours of Towson and Baltimore, and researching fun day trips for the residents. Arlen also initiated Fashion Week, inviting outside vendors and hosting stylish fashion shows featuring clothing from Thrifty Nifty. Her energy and enthusiasm made her a beloved figure, and she was always looking for ways to bring joy and connection to those around her.

Arlen's life was one of love, generosity, service and Broadway musicals. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the many causes she championed.

She is survived by her 3 children Edward A. St. John, lll. "Trey", Kellay St. John and her husband Dudley Dixon, and Julianne St. John "Gigi"; and her granddaughter Logan M. Dixon.

Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Road Towson, MD 21204 (at Beltway exit 26) on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11AM, with a Celebration of Life immediately following.

Interment will be at Loudon Park Cemetery 3620 Wilkens Avenue Baltimore, MD 21229, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to:

Horses N Heroes

12680 N. US Highway 441 Citra, FL 32113

Zelle:

561-441-6275

PayPal:

Horses N Heroes of Marion County

donate button on the website

horsesnheroes.org

.