Arielle Ghika Brenneck

1936 - 2015

Arielle Ghika Brenneck
September 15, 1936 - April 4, 2015
San Mateo
Born in Paris, France, Arielle emigrated to the U.S. during World War II. The family eventually settled in Fallbrook, CA and raised avocados and citrus. She was an avid reader and lover of the arts. She pursued an interest in learning to cook foods from around the world. And she had a particular passion and talent for raising succulents, cacti, and orchids.
Arielle was deeply committed to supporting our community. Whether serving on a board of directors, holding a leadership position or providing direct services, she volunteered her time, energy, and talents to such organizations as Samaritan House, Second Harvest Food Bank, Shelter Network, Crystal Springs/Uplands' Parents Fundraising Committee, San Francisco Symphony League, Peninsula Symphony League, California Youth Symphony League, San Mateo Performing Arts Center, Hillsborough Family Service Auxiliary and the Children's Home Society. Arielle was nominated for the San Mateo Women's Hall of Fame.
At Samaritan House, Arielle organized and launched a comprehensive volunteer program that continues to draw on the talents and skills of hundreds of community members. Part of that program, providing health services, has grown into two clinics that provide primary and specialty medical and dental services to residents in need. They log 10,000 patient visits each year.
She leaves behind three children: her son Todd Brenneck; her daughter Marina Armbruster and son-in-law Jeffery Armbruster; and her son Kent Brenneck, daughter-in-law Stéphane Jacobus, and grandchildren Julien and Naomi. Arielle was preceded in death by her daughter Alyson.
Friends are invited to a celebration of her life on June 30th at the Hillsborough Racket Club, 252 El Cerrito Avenue, Hillsborough, from 2:00 to 5:00.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Samaritan House of San Mateo. Samaritan House can be reached at 650-341-4081 or samaritanhousesanmateo.org.