Arlene Colvin, beloved Gary official, dies at 72, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/11/arlene-colvin-beloved-gary-official-dies-at-72/)

Arlene Denise Colvin, a long-serving public servant and respected legal figure in Gary, Indiana, passed away at the age of 72 on August 24, 2026, at Methodist Hospital Southlake in Merrillville.Key details of her life and public service include:

• Distinguished Municipal Service: Colvin served the City of Gary across more than four decades, working under seven different mayoral administrations. Her tenure spanned from Mayor Richard G. Hatcher to her retirement during the administration of Mayor Eddie Melton. During her career with the city, she held several key roles, notably serving as Corporation Counsel and chief legal advisor.
• Commitment to Education: Beyond municipal government, Colvin dedicated 20 years to the Board of Directors of the 21st Century Charter School in Gary, including serving as Board Chair for a decade. She was deeply committed to expanding academic opportunities and college credit access for local students.
• Civic & Community Impact: Born in Gary on February 9, 1954, Colvin was widely recognized throughout Northwest Indiana for her institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and mentorship of emerging civic leaders and public servants.