HAVERHILL: Arline F. (Penwell) Corthell, 87, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2013 at Maplewood Center in Amesbury.

Born in Haverhill on December 17, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand S. and M. Gertrude (Thwing) Penwell.

Mrs. Corthell was educated in Haverhill, and graduated from Haverhill High School, Class of 1943. During the war she worked as a civilian bookkeeper for the War Department in Boston. Following her marriage she raised her family and began a twenty year career as an operator for the former AT&T before her retirement in 1987. Mrs. Corthell was a member of Portland Street Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, the White Shrine of Jerusalem #1, and Fidelity Chapter #90, O.E.S. In her leisure time she enjoyed music, playing the piano, and, when her children were young, knitting, sewing and making cloths for her children.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Simpkins and her husband David, Janet Gillis, both of Amherst, MA, Cynthia "Cindi" Basiliere of Haverhill, Natalie Pineau and her husband Stephen of Sunrise, FL, Robert Corthell and his wife Sharon, Stephen Corthell and his wife Patricia, Frederick Corthell, all of Haverhill; nineteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Corthell was predeceased by grandchildren, Amy Edgington and Frederick Corthell, Jr.; great grandson, Nicholas Poly; sister, Barbara Flanders. Her family would like to thank the staff at SolAmor Hospice for the dedicated and compassionate care given to Mrs. Corthell.

Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Calling hours Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to SolAmor Hospice, 161 South Main St., Middleton, MA 01949, or the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com.