Arlene F. Havel

March 14, 1946 - October 18, 2025 Arlene Havel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Arlene was born on March 14, 1946, in Washington D.C., to Gordon and Ruth Wilbur. She spent her early childhood in Rock Creek, Kansas. In 1951, when she was 5, Arlene's family moved to Southern California, where Arlene quickly learned to love the ocean. She lived the rest of her life near the beach, including Malibu, Venice, Mar Vista, and ultimately Cheviot Hills, her home of over 45 years.

She shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Richard. Arlene and Richard met in high school, and both graduated from St. Monica High School in 1964. They were married for over 57 years, and during the early years she worked as an EKG technician at St. John's Hospital to put Richard through law school, and later on she had a major volunteer position with the UCLA Breast Cancer Center. At all times her primary role was that of housewife and mother. Arlene and Richard built a close family rooted in love, joy, and lasting memories.

Arlene brought warmth, kindness and compassion wherever she went. Arlene was known for her humble spirit, nurturing heart, generous nature and steadfast loyalty to those she loved. Her beautiful smile lit up every room, and her love for family was the center of her world. Arlene had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Whether she was gardening, horseback riding, reading in the sunshine, or enjoying long walks, she found peace in nature. She adored music and had a beautiful voice that reflected her joy and warmth. A devoted sports fan, she loved the Dodgers and never missed a good college or pro football game. She cherished the time spent at the family vacation home in Park City, Utah, where countless memories were made surrounded by those she loved most.

Guided by strong faith and an enduring sense of justice, Arlene cared deeply about social and environmental causes. She believed in fairness, compassion, tolerance and protecting the beauty of the natural world. Her legacy is one of kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie and her husband, Alex Homaechevarria, and her son, Derek and his wife, Alison, Havel. Arlene was a proud and loving grandmother and great-grandmother to Alicia and her husband, Stew, Julia, Amber, Trevor, Henry, and Luke-each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Arlene's life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, 11AM, in the Mortuary Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. This will be followed by a reception to share memories and fellowship with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Arlene's name to Feeding America or the Union Rescue Mission.