ARLENE PATRICIA IFTIGER

ARLENE PATRICIA (SMITH) IFTIGER MAY 5, 1933-MARCH 29, 2004



Arlene was born during the Great Depression, on May 5, 1933, to John Lewis Smith, (estranged from 1935), & Marie Jean (Surra) Smith, at 8:51p.m., at San Pedro Hospital, in San Pedro California.

Her grandparents on her fathers' side, Roy & Fransis Schmit, immigrated from Russia, while her grandmother on her mothers side, Jessie (Sztainbeck) Surra, was of German descent.

She was baptized on July 4, 1933, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in San Diego California, sponsored by her aunt, Florence Wienert. Arlene later converted to the Lutheran faith, after her marriage to Donald Richard Iftiger, on January 6, 1952, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Southgate California, and they remained married for the duration of their lives.

They had met at Lake Gregory, California, at which time Don had asked Arlene out on a date, to a movie. THE REST WAS HISTORY...

Arlene gave birth to three children, Michael, Laura, and Susan. Over the years they resided in Lynwood California, Compton California, Long Beach CA, Cerritos CA, and Hesperia CA, where they remained.

Arlene was the strength of her family. She taught her children how to survive in this world and be independent. She taught them how to work together, to join at mealtimes, and to pray together as a family. Arlene also taught them to be responsible, respectful, self-sufficient, and finally and most importantly, how to dream.

Arlene was passionate about life. She loved music, & her house vibrated with the sounds of Barbara Streisand, Carly Simon, & Carole King, just to name a few of her favorites. She loved to sing, & had a part in the small theater musical, 'The Music Man', in Long Beach CA, in the 1960s. She also sang in the choir, at St. Timothys Lutheran Church, in Lakewood CA.

Arlene had a love for the ocean & enjoyed sailing. She had a sense of adventure & completed several hours of instruction toward her glider pilot license. (until Don found out). She enjoyed tennis & rockhounding. She enjoyed entertaining, debating politics, reading, & was passionate about gardening throughout her life. She was an excellent cook, & whatever Don brought home from his hunting trips; she would create a gourmet meal out of. Arlene was a woman ahead of her time. She passed many of her passions & her strengths on to her children.

Although Arlene had a hard childhood, she was driven to excel in her adult life. She attended Long Beach City College, & received her MASTER of ARTS DEGREE in EDUCATION, from Cal State San Bernadino, in 1996, after writing a book on business communications, as her dissertation

Arlene was employed by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, in the 1960s, & before leaving held the position of executive secretary to the Vice President of Research. She was later employed by Cal State Fullerton, as a contract manager, Hesperia Junior High, & High Schools, as a teacher & career guidance counselor, and Honorary Admissions Liaison Officer, for the U.S. Airforce and ROTC. She also was a business instructor at Victorville Community College.

She worked hard her entire life, giving to others, & received several awards from the Army, Marines, & Airforce, for her involvement in recruiting young people, as well as San Bernadino County for her contribution and service to the regional occupational program.

Arlene was a devoted & loving grandmother, spending several summers caring for her grandchildren.

Arlene excelled at everything she did. She achieved so much in her lifetime, gave so much to others, & had so much to be proud of, & yet so humble. She had so much life and energy within her.

Arlene will be remembered for her strengths, passions, and love for others. She is so truly loved and missed...

GOODBYE IN REALITY, IS ONLY A SEE YOU LATER... UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, YOU REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS...

Arlene was preceded in death by: Jessie Surra (grandmother), Marie Jean Smith (mother), Florence Weinert (aunt)

Arlene was survived by: Beloved husband, Donald Richard Iftiger, 5/3/32-5/9/2022, Beloved sister, Betty Diane Smith, 6/19/1934-9/14/2023

Children: Michael Iftiger, Laura (Iftiger) Brittan, Susan (Iftiger) Ogg

Grandchildren: Richard Mooneyham, Matthew Mooneyham, Selena Myers, Erika Perrin, Jessica Daniels, Randi Iftiger, Ryan Meeds

Great Grandchildren: Bryce Doble, Colby Daniels, Kamden Perrin. Ella Perrin, Emma Perrin, Chloe Myers, Betti Beckstrom, Porter Beckstrom, Jonas Beckstrom, Oaklie Beckstrom, Keegan Mooneyham, Samantha Mooneyham, Lewis Mooneyham

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE Cremains Scattering Laguna Beach Coastline CA May 6, 2023 Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point California (Sunrise) September 17, 2023