Arlene Kiesler

Arlene, our smart, funny, vivacious tour guide at Chesterwood, passed from this world on Sunday, August 14th with her best buddy Bernie by her side.   

Arlene was born March 22, 1941 in Forest Hills, NY to Florence and Irving M. Morgen.

While living in the Berkshires, Arlene’s love of animals inspired her to open a wildlife rehabilitation center on her 40-acre property in Otis, and for many years she devoted herself to caring for whatever injured animal was brought to her home. Arlene’s specialty was rescuing birds, both wild and domestic. She became state certified and her entertaining stories about birds and other wildlife were told publicly to various groups. 

Arlene also loved history, art and politics. Locally she starred as a curator/concierge for Blantyre and a docent for the Trustees of Reservations at Naumkeg prior to her 6 years at Chesterwood. We knew her as a wonderful storyteller with a keen sense of humor, a strong self-determination, and a laugh and smile that could light up a room. Arlene was the greatest friend anyone could ask for and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.  

A gathering for Arlene will be held at Chesterwood on August 31st at 5pm.

Donations in Arlene's name may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society and to  Chesterwood--two organizations she most cherished.