In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Volunteer, Alix Ann Arlighaus, 76

Rumsonite Alix Ann Arlinghaus died peacefully at home after a long illness, surrounded by her brother and close family, on June 26. She was 76.

Alix Ann Arlinghaus
Photo/loved ones of Arlinghaus via John E. Day Funeral Home

“Alix Ann was (also) an impassioned supporter and volunteer for the Healey International Relief Foundation, devoted to individuals and families in war torn Sierra Leone, West Africa. She was often seen at the Rumson collection site and on Green days collecting books, used toys and needed items for St. Stephen’s Home for Amputees, St. Mary’s Children’s Home and Serabu Hospital. She humorously referred to herself as a ‘professional beggar’ encouraging families downsizing to donate to Sierra Leone.
In 2020, she received a Letter of Commendation from the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Government of Sierra Leone for her work as well as from CARITAS, the international Catholic Relief organization’s Freetown, Sierra Leone headquarters.
She described her biggest blessing being that one can give as much as you want to for as long as you want.”
Loved ones of Alix Ann Arlighaus in her obituary

The daughter of Rumsonites the late Frank H. Arlinghaus Sr. and Rosalie M (Sullivan), Alix Ann, as she was known, was named after her two grandmothers. She attended Holy Cross Grammar School in Rumson, and graduated from the Academy of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, NJ, where she was the business manager of her class yearbook. She graduated from the College (now University) of St. Elizabeth as a Business and Economics major.

After graduation she pursued a career in the jewelry industry working for Cartier, Spritzer and Fuhrman, Chopard Watch, and The Henry Stern Watch Agency, the sole importer and distributor for Patek Philippe watches in the United States. She was the manager of the service department for Patek for the United States. During her working years she traveled the world extensively visiting Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East. Alix Ann attended the Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Rome on Sept. 14, 1975.

After retirement she worked extensively with several charities, particularly for the Sisters of Charity, especially the Spring Lake luncheon, and benefits for the Academy and College of St. Elizabeth. She was honored with the annual Mehegan Award for service by the Sisters of Charity in 2015. She served on the Monmouth County Board of Health for a short term during this period.

Alix Ann was predeceased by her brother, John Clemens Arlinghaus.,

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Frank H. Arlinghaus Jr., of Rumson; two nieces, Erin Marie and Kelly Ann, of Pennsylvania; and a multitude of cousins and relatives throughout the country.

Visitation will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, on Thursday July 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, July 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p,m. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven, on Saturday July 3, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Healey International Relief Foundation, 771 Cuthbert Boulevard, 4 Executive Campus Suite 202, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 and the Sisters of Charity, PO Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476.