MEET OUR TEAM
Arlene and Allen began collaborating in 2022. They decided to turn their ideas and talents into a joined business, and Cemetery Love Notes was born.
Arlene, Founder
Allen, Designer
When Arlene’s mother passed away, she was looking for a special way to remember her. After looking and not finding the right item, Arlene designed a unique steel sign that could lay flat and stake into the ground next to her mother’s gravesite.
Before she knew it, friends were asking Arlene to make one for their loved one or lost pet, and Cemetery Love Notes was born.
Before developing Cemetery Love Notes, Arlene has worked as an eighteen-wheel truck driver and a dental assistant. Having various jobs fits her personality because she loves variety and is eager to learn something new!
Arlene enjoys spending time with her dog, family and friends. Her hobbies and likes include playing the piano, cooking, live theater and gardening.
As an artist, Allen loves various aspects of all things creative, such as art, graphic design, photography, welding, and pottery.
He has been a self motivator since childhood, always seeking the next idea to develop and turn into a reality.
When he’s not working hard, he loves to travel, play pickleball with friends, try new restaurants and spend time with family.
Allen hand-crafts each and every sign that ships out of our shop. When you receive your Cemetery Love Note, it has been in the hands of a skillful designer, and we hope you love it as much as he loves making it for you.
MY STORY
Read Arlene’s story about the inspiration behind Cemetery Love Notes.
“Cemetery Love Notes started in 1984 when my mother Jane found out she was pregnant with her fifth child: me!
My mother always wanted six children. She was on her way to get what she desired until her world crumbled and she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Mom and Dad were advised to abort the baby due to possible complications of the pregnancy because of necessary cancer treatments. But my mother had faith in her doctors, science, and God. She chose bravery through all her obstacles, she took the risk and let God be God!
During the nine months of pregnancy, we went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments together. Every day, my mom gave herself a steroid shot to keep me strong and alive. Mom had family, friends and church family members pray over her daily.
On March 19, 1985 she gave birth to a healthy 5 pound baby girl. She still had a journey ahead of her to finish the cancer treatment and recover. We survived because of my parents' decisions, the wisdom of her medical team and her strong faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout my years, she was not only my mother but my friend and hero! On my birthdays I would send her flowers and handwritten love notes to share with her about how much she meant to me. I expressed how thankful and grateful I was for her courage, knowing that one day I would not be able to say Thank You!
When my mother passed away in 2021, I wanted to continue to honor her by doing something significant that would last a long time.
I did not know what to put at her gravesite at first. However, the breast cancer symbol has always been a part of our lives and story. I thought of a custom-made steel cancer sign with a stake to secure it into the ground, that read “MOM” on the ribbon. This did not exist anywhere, so I knew that I had to create and make it myself. Since making this love note for her, Cemetery Love Notes has designed dog bones and cat signs, hearts, cancer signs, and ribbons. We are able to create custom-made signs for pets and loved ones. By the end of my mother’s life, she did not get her sixth baby, but she was happy with her five kids, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has definitely left a mark on all of our lives.
Cemetery Love Notes exists because of her and we will be donating 10% of our profits to a non-profit organization in Minnesota called Angel Hair. This organization provides hair wigs, free of cost to cancer patients that have suffered from hair loss due to cancer drugs or treatments. Ironically, I lived in Minnesota for 29 years of my life and my mom went through her cancer treatments in Minnesota.
She would have loved to be a part of this movement and pay it forward.”
We all love you forever Mom and we miss you everyday! Until we meet again!
Your miracle baby,
Arlene
