Rest in Peace Arleen Iris Cutler

Rest in peace Arleen Iris Cutler aka “Mom, Gemma, Leenie”

December 8, 1944 – June 10, 2023

Her heart is big and strong.

Arleen had severe #mentalhealth issues for many years. Not too much was spoken of the taboo back then. Over the years, we went through the most extreme methods to help her mental health and the most extreme medication available. Then society became more open to this topic and most everyone realized they have some mental health issues of their own. Some can be solved with exercise and diet, some are chemical imbalances in the brain and severe to an extreme and sometimes unmanageable realm. As her conditions were able to get some control, she became a mental health advocate, getting involved and helping others where she could. It would come and go over the years, seemingly under control and then BAM it would rear its ugly head. It was vicious at times. But that was not Arleen. She was sweet and kind and soft, and her heart was big and strong. She loved husband Keith of 50 years, and they had a good life and one child - me.

Next, Arleen became a #caregiver and got beat up, down, left and right as she was helping and watching Keith persevere through his 14-year #parkinsons journey. But she had to be the strong caregiver, and she was. That was all there was to it. It was hard to watch, and what created the #pushups4parkinsons movement. Her heart is big and strong.

So many people helped along the way (many of you reading this) ,,,,more than they can know. Including my mom herself, she helped me in so many ways without even knowing.

When Dad died, it was a tailspin. We regrouped and recovered, and Mom moved in. Then she became an experienced "mover" as she moved 6 more times in the next 6 years.

Right before Move #4, Mom's diagnosis of #lewybodydementia was a kick in the gut, a diagnosis nurses tell me is a tough one. There are many tough diseases, this is one. It is known as a fast mover, and it did. It took her over, and ironically there were Parkinson like symptoms, which was difficult. It seemed she started to slowly crumble, mentally, physically, and emotionally. She was about ready to be done. Her heart is big and strong.

The transition from walker to wheelchair is when the falling started to happen,,,,about 10 with at least 8 emergency room visits over 2 months (just like dad). Mom was battered and bruised. Just like my dad. However,,,,, I watched her (and him) push hard and I was proud.

It all caught up with Arleen on Saturday June 3rd when the disease took full control of her body, but did not take her life. Her heart is big and strong.

Starting Sunday June 3rd Arleen laid still in her hospice bed with a big strong heart beating. Asleep but awake. Breathing, but not really. We had great talks and held her. I honored her, just as I did for dad, with pushups beside their #hospice beds. She deserved that. She had wanted to go for a while, to give in, rest and be with Keith. And finally, she was set free on Saturday June 10, 2023 at 5:40pm.

Her heart is big and strong.

To honor my parents, we will carry out their wishes and sprinkle their ashes together, in Bermuda, where they honeymooned.

Also, to honor my parents, the Cutler Foundation / Pushups4parkinsons will live forever and we ask for a $10 donation to The Cutler Foundation / pushups4parkinsons in memory of Arleen Cutler, Keith Cutler and Grandpa Jack Cutler. www.pushups4parkinsons.org

There will be a private service in Ocean Isle Beach NC for immediate family – son Evan, daughter in law Rachel, grandchildren Marlowe, Dahlia and Jonah.