Arleen Garcia Ortega

Arleen Garcia Ortega, age 55, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and children, after a courageous five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on December 10, 1970, in Aurora, Illinois, Arleen lived a life marked by resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Arleen embraced every role in her life with grace and determination. Professionally, she was versatile and driven—beginning her career in real estate before discovering her calling as a trusted tax professional. In 2012, she opened her own office, a true reflection of her entrepreneurial spirit and her deep commitment to serving others. Her clients valued not only her expertise, but also the warmth, patience, and genuine care she brought to every interaction.

Above all else, Arleen cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy came from caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Lee Ortega Sr., and her children: sons Lee Ortega Jr. (Delilah) and Angel Ortega (Emily); daughters Deanna Ortega (James), Aracelli Ortega Sanders (Lance), and Sabrina Ortega; along with her beloved pet, Noah Ortega. She was also a proud and devoted grandmother to nine grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and whom she loved deeply. Her legacy lives on through her family—in their strength, kindness, and the values she instilled.

Arleen was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and drew strength from prayer, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Even while facing illness, she remained selfless, always offering encouragement, support, and generosity to those around her. She was known throughout her community as a steady source of comfort—always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a warm smile.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, from quietly working on puzzles to passionately cheering on her beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Arleen was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip (Felipe) Garcia and Guadalupe Garcia, and her parents-in-law, Jose Oscar Ortega and Hermelinda Ortega, whose memories she held close to her heart.

Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Yet even in grief, there is comfort in remembering her strength, courage, and selflessness—how she fought against all odds while continuing to give so much of herself to others.

As Arleen often said, “Life is not fair,” but she faced its challenges with grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. Now called home by the Lord she served so faithfully, may she rest in eternal peace among His angels.

May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who were blessed to know and love her.

The Ortega family will hold a private ceremony for immediate family. A celebration of Arleen’s life will be held at a later date, just as she wished. Details will be shared so friends and loved ones may gather to honor her memory and raise a glass in her honor.