April 18, 1926 - April 5, 2014 Pauline Pena Hepner was born in Washington, DC to parents Saladina Rocha and Domingo Pena of Spain. She passed away peacefully at her cousin's home in Maryland on April 5, 2014. Pauline will be remembered for her love of travel, the arts, and for her love and devotion to her friends and family. Pauline taught school for 38 years at Castle Heights Elementary in Los Angeles. She taught Art, Geography and History. Beloved by students and parents, she was selected at age 29 as one of the top teachers in California. Pauline loved teaching and remained friends with many of her students. Years later, they would seek her out to tell her what a difference she had made in their lives. Pauline graduated from the University of Southern California where she was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. After retiring from teaching, Pauline and her husband, Edward Hepner, moved to Newport Beach, CA where they lived for almost 30 years. She designed and built her dream home in Corona del Mar with her dear friend from the University of Southern California, Claudia Smith. Pauline is survived by her beloved husband Edward Hepner, and step-children, son Richard and his wife Julie, and their two sons, Alex and William in Toronto, daughter Lisa and her husband Guy in Los Angeles, and her dear cousins Gloria in Laguna Niguel, Adeline and Estrella in Washington DC, and Manuel in Florida. A memorial luncheon will be held at 1 PM at Edward and Pauline's home in Corona del Mar on Sunday, April 13, 2014. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Children's Hospital of Orange County, 1201 West La Veta Ave, Orange, CA 92868.
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I remember her so vividly. She is my favorite teacher of all time. It has been about 62 years since she was my mentor at Castle Heights but Istill cherish the experience
Ann Schwartz Wakcher
Student
January 27, 2021
Mrs. Pena, as we called her at Castle Heights was my 6th grade teacher in 1960. To this day I remember her as one of my very favorite teachers. She lives on with all of us who she cared for and taught with such expertise. Ann Schwartz Wakcher
Ann schwartz Wakcher
Student
May 5, 2018
Miss Pena (as we referred to her) was my 6th grade teacher at Castle Heights Elementary in the late 60's. She was one of the best teachers that I ever had and a really caring and kind person. I have a memory of her crying one day because her dog had died and our class brought her a new puppy. She was the kind of teacher that made her students want to give back to her. I'm sure that she will be greatly missed by her family.
Jeff Ball
April 28, 2014
One of my favorite and hippest teachers at Castle Heights in 1966. Glad to hear that she lived a long and happy life.
Michael Ball
April 25, 2014
Ms. Pena was my sixth grade teacher in the late 70s. She was known as one of, if not the best teachers at Castle Heights, and I remember approaching 6th grade with such excitement that I would finally get to be in her class. She was a wonderful educator and woman with a lot of style and grace. I'm so glad she lived a long and productive life, though I know this is such a profound loss to her family and friends. I send you all my deepest condolences.
Hali Helfgott
April 15, 2014
I was Pauline's hairdresser for over 25 years. I took this picture of her on the very last day I saw her as she was waiting for Ed to pick her up from the salon. She was the epitome of style and grace. She looked so elegant and beautiful here. I am so happy to have this memory of her in a photo. I will miss her dearly.
Debbie Brown
April 11, 2014
Pauline was a beautiful woman inside and out, she will be missed.
Kristine Simon
April 11, 2014
I am truly saddened to hear of the loss of Pauline. My heart breaks for Ed and the family. Ed and Pauline had a happy life, traveling together all over the world. Pauline will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Judy Frye
April 11, 2014
Our biggest condolences to you, our dear Ed, and your family... Pauline was such a wonderful and happy person, we had the great fortune of meeting her and spending some great time with her and you together with our babies !! We feel so very sorry for your immense loss and send you all our love and energy to get through this very rough time.
With all our love...
Alejandra, Zuri, Mila and Tamir Krasniansky.
Krasniansky Family
April 10, 2014
My name is Alan Finestone. I was Ms. Pena's very first kindergarten
class students at Castle Heights in 1951. It was her first year as a teacher. She told my mother that all her students constantly were raising their hands to go to the restroom. Ms. Pena was also my 6th grade teacher at Castle Heights. I started and ended in her class. It was a privilege to be her student. I was so fond of her. I would visit her years later after high school. Now that she has passed away, I wish I had visited her more. My very sincere condolences to her family and friends. She was always my friend. I am so sad.
April 10, 2014
Ms Pena was my teacher at Castle Heights and I have fond memories of her smile and how nice she was.
Jay Goldsein
April 10, 2014
Pauline was model of style , beauty and a student of local news,world events. She endeavored to make the world a better place .
Susan Sheldon
April 10, 2014
I was sad to read of Pauline's passing. She was my favorite teacher at castle heights...21years ago
Teri rand kennady
Teri Kennady
April 10, 2014
Sending my deepest condolences to the Pena and Hepner families. Pauline was my 6th grade teacher in 1968. She was an inspiring and caring teacher, and I remember her fondly.
Joyce Boehm Hughes
April 10, 2014
Ms. Pena always to me, was my 6th grade Teacher at Castle Heights in 1969. I will always remember her and her Ford Mustang. I am sending my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she R.I.P.
Loren Blumberg
April 10, 2014
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