A Life Story

Arla Marie Thomas DaCamara of Savannah, GA, passed away at Hospice Savannah on Monday, July 27, 2026. Arla was born on February 7, 1930 in her childhood home in Beavertown, PA, where she resided until she entered the Central Pennsylvania Business College in Harrisburg in 1947. After college she began employment with the International Harvester Company, followed by the Dept. of Internal Affairs for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Government in Pirmasens, Germany, returned to the International Harvester Company, the House of Representatives in Harrisburg, and ending her working career with Grove Worldwide at Shady Grove, PA, from where she retired in 1992. One outstanding memory to her was while working in Germany she was assigned to take minutes at court martial’s. Language was very foul and she never typed the full testimony, leaving blank spaces for all foul words, always telling her superior her typewriter did not have the proper keys to record the testimony. Duties at each position were very diversified and accomplished in a minimum amount of time and with perfection. Travel was a big part of her life and she visited many countries and had hoped to visit all 50 states but missed that goal by 5 states. Arla was always active with any organization involving children. She co-founded a Civic Club in Colonial Park in Harrisburg and was successful in building a large swimming pools well as forming several softball teams for kids in the area. In Savannah, she formed several bridge groups, was a Boad member of ENCORE for 25 years, a member of Skidaway Island United Methodist Women and served as their President for 2 years, a dedicated volunteer in the UMChurch office and at the Devenport House gift shop in Savannah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, and two daughters, Cheryl A. Allen and Susan “Van” Robbins, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 2 nephews. Surviving are her Step-son Randy DaCamara (Sue), 3 nieces (Rita Solie, Gayle Stehr, Wendy Thomas), all residing in Pennsylvania. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 3 at 11am at the Skidaway Island Methodist Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Church at 54 Diamond Causeway or to a charity that helps children or those less fortunate.