Arlene "Aunt Chicky" Purnsely

Arlene Ann Purnsley, 85, of West Chester, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Pembroke Health & Rehab Center, in West Goshen, PA.

She was born in West Chester, PA, on September 9, 1940, the daughter of the late Oscar Murrey and Violet Gladys (Corsey) Purnsley.

Known as Ann but affectionately called Aunt Chicky, Ann was a very lovable person. To know her was to love her. She worked the Assembly Line at Handicrafters, where she gained meaningful friendships.

She enjoyed being with her niece, Violet, who took care of her until she went into the nursing home. As well as her favorite nephew, Stanley, who would buy her pencils and books. Every time she would see the family, she would ask, “Can you get me a Pepsi and an Italian hoagie?” and “Where’s Kristine at?” All her nieces and nephews brought her favorite supplies to do her hobbies of writing her name, which she was always proud to show everyone after she wrote in her tablets, her writings as well.

Ann enjoyed spending time with her friends from her job and watching cowboy and Indian movies.

She was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Purnsley; brother, Kenneth Purnsley; sister, Morrislene Rebecca Ferguson; nephew, Michael Ferguson; niece, Dowoun Phillips (Neil); brother-in-law, Ira Ferguson, Sr.; sister-in-law, Edith Purnsley; and grandparents Alfred and Lena Walter.

Ann leaves cherished memories to her nieces, Violet Ann Cole of Pomeroy, Naomi S. Rayner (Michael Sr.), her niece Tracy Sellers (Harry); nephew, Stanley R. Purnsley, Sr. (Cricket), Ira Ferguson, Jr. “Morris”; great-niece Kristine Jones-Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ann will be deeply missed, but her presence will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Wright Funeral & Cremation Services, 725 Merchant Street, Coatesville, PA 19320.

Click here on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:45 AM EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle or share a picture in her remembrance. Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service.