Arline Nancy (Chapman) Gorlin

Arline Nancy Gorlin (neé Chapman), of Catonsville, departed this life on November 18, 2018 at the age of 83.  She is survived by her daughters Emily Beth Gorlin and Valerie Jane Gorlin Tarbell, Valerie’s husband Lance Tarbell, Emily’s wife Geraldine McGreevy, beloved grandson Lucas Carroll Gorlin Tarbell, and her dog Bay Bay.

She was the only child of Edward Chapman and Lena Chapman (neé Knott) of Nutley, New Jersey. After marrying the late Robert M. Gorlin in 1952, the couple settled in Bergen County where they worked as journalists and raised their two daughters.  Arline and Bob retired to Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the mid-1990s, and after his passing, Arline moved to the Baltimore area to be closer to her daughter Valerie and family.

Best described as “a force of nature,” Arline was a highly intelligent, extremely determined and very accomplished woman who spent her life encouraging others to be the best they could be. She combined a wicked sense of humor with her own unique brand of “tough love” to produce a very potent cocktail not easily forgotten by those who experienced it.

Although she did work as a journalist and at one point had her own weekly column, she was always most proud of the volunteer activities through which she gave so much to the community.

She was devoted to Scouting from the time she entered Brownies as a little girl, and eventually she earned the rank of First Class, the highest award in Girl Scouting.  She continued to be active in Scouting until her retirement, both as a Troop Leader and behind the scenes working with the Bergen County Girl Scout Council.  Arline believed passionately in the Girl Scout ideals throughout her life – particularly the charge always to leave a place better than one has found it. Her work with the Scouts inspired hundreds of girls and young women. 

As president of Friends of the Library, Arline was also instrumental in the relocation of the Township of Washington Public Library from - literally - a dingy, overcrowded back room to its own brand new, purpose-built building. 

As chair of the Township’s Bicentennial Committee in 1976, she organized perhaps the biggest picnic that town has ever seen.  It certainly was the most entertaining.

She also worked closely with the Westwood (NJ) Regional School District, through the Parent-School Organization and in other capacities, to advocate for gifted and talented children.

When Arline moved to the Eastern Shore, she decided that she was not yet finished building libraries.  She was the driving force behind the construction of the Ocean Pines branch of Worcester County Public Library, which opened in 1999.

In her later years, the pride and joy of her life was her grandson Lucas, and into him she poured all of her considerable energy, determination and love.  She will be profoundly missed by him, by all the family, and by the many, many people she encouraged and inspired throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catonsville Emergency Assistance. 

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