On the early morning of February 8, 2016, Arlene C. Fortsas passed away. Arlene lost her battle with endometrial cancer. She was 66 years old.

Arlene was born in Chicago, IL on July 20, 1949. She was the daughter of Constance (Napolski) and Edward Snyder and younger sister to Robert Snyder. She grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and attended Tuley high school and later became a proud young republican at Wright College.

Arlene worked for both the IRS and EPA, where she forged lifelong friendships. She was married to Michael J. Fortsas in 1973. She exited the workforce to start a family in the mid 80's. She began to work for the family business, Jimmy's Hot Dogs. There she managed and supported 'the stand' and all of Michael's endeavors up until his death in 2000. Re-entering the workforce after running a family business was difficult, but she found work as an advocate helping patients obtain Medicaid coverage.

Throughout the years, Arlene encountered many more health challenges and hardships. They knocked her down so very hard, but she always continued to fight. "She was and always will be the strongest person I'll ever know, an inspiration of never ending strength" said by daughter Mary. Her greatest and proudest achievements were her children. They were her best friends. Her son James (30) and daughter Mary (27) survive her.

Arlene spent her last days being comforted by her friends and family at the Norridge Gardens nursing facility while in hospice care. James, Mary, and William, her daughter's fiancé, will forever miss the overwhelming love that was given so selflessly by their mother.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Arlene will be announced at a later date.