Arlene Small, a pioneering entrepreneur in the travel industry, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 90. Alongside her beloved husband of 49 years, Richard Small, she co-founded Alumni Holidays (AHI Travel) in 1962. At a time when leadership roles for women in the corporate world were uncommon, Arlene shone. Her achievements and presence inspired many women to step forth as leaders, offering them not only a path but a guiding light.

AHI became a groundbreaking tour operator, setting the standard for educational travel for prestigious university alumni associations, museums and their members across the U.S. and Canada. Together, Arlene and Richard were true industry pioneers, developing the first travel programs tailored specifically for the distinguished university alumni community. Their groundbreaking vision transformed the alumni travel market, creating a thriving industry that continues to flourish today. Among their many achievements, they introduced countless travelers to the magic of river cruising, organizing the first-ever journeys along storied rivers such as the Rhone, Seine, Main, Neckar, and Elbe. They also opened doors for American and Canadian travelers to explore Russian and Ukrainian waterways, expanding the horizon of possibilities for adventure and cultural connection.

Yet, beyond these accomplishments, what truly distinguished Arlene was her unwavering care for people, her commitment to excellence, and her courage. She possessed a special grace—a unique touch that made every encounter memorable and meaningful. Her legacy is one of inspiration, leadership, and kindness. She leaves behind not only the company she helped build and the industry she helped shape, but also a community of friends, colleagues, and fellow travelers whose lives are all the richer for having known her.

Born in Chicago in 1935, Arlene lived a life marked by intelligence, vision, and a deep passion for travel. She delighted in recalling extraordinary memories of events, people, and places across the globe – from evenings along the Seine to sunrises over the Swiss Alps – she could remember by name the many remarkable individuals she met along the way. Her stories reflected her sharp mind and warm spirit, and her joy of connecting with others.  Together, she and Richard touched the lives of countless individuals they met around the world.

After retiring in 2000, Arlene and Richard moved to Maui, fulfilling her enduring love for the Hawaiian Islands and continuing to explore the world from a place of beauty and peace.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard; her parents Roman and Mary Prybil; her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond Conrad Prybil and Lucille; her nephew, William; and dearest cousins Tony and Alice Geraci.

Arlene is survived by her loving family, including stepdaughter Colleen; stepsons Richard, Joseph, Mark and Brian; her niece and nephews, Marian (Randy) Rippy, Michael; great-nephew Andrew Rippy; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and cherished friends Kathy, Terry and Karen Xaverius.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, especially Laura, Marilyn, and the team at Arbor Terrace, for their loving care and companionship during her final chapter.

As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate an extraordinary woman and a truly remarkable life. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will remain a guiding star for generations to come.

Family and friends will meet Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 for a 9:30 a.m. Visitation followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. A livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/l8DXPnhu9Dc . Free parking for Holy Name Cathedral is available at 14 West Superior Street (between Dearborn Street and State Street). Please use any nonreserved parking space on Lower Level One (LL1) or Lower Level Two (LL2).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Arlene's memory be made to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, 877-637-2955, www.mercyhome.org .

For further information please call 312-421-0936.