Linda Arellano

1939 - 2025

Linda Arellano
12/26/1939 - 05/23/2025
Linda G. Arellano, passed away peacefully, at home, on May 23, surrounded by her loving family. Linda was kindhearted, outgoing, engaging and stylish, always with a flower on her lapel or pinned to her dress. She loved her family deeply and would light up any room the minute she walked in. An encounter with her always included her warm smile, a twinkle in her eyes, often a touch or hug, and the feeling of being loved.
Born and raised in Altadena, Calif., together with her two brothers, she was a true California girl. In 1957 she was named a Princess in the Pasadena Rose Parade. Linda attended UC Berkely and served as President of the Delta Gamma Sorority house after which she married her first husband of 12 years and settled in Piedmont. For the last 38 years, she shared a beautiful life with her treasured husband, Rick.
While raising her three children as a single parent, she was engaged in interior design and worked as an Office Manager at Grey Advertising, as an Executive Director at Easter Seals of the East Bay, and as Senior VP of Communications at Grubb & Ellis, ringing the bell on Wall Street when they went public. In later years, she assisted Rick in his financial advisory business. She was also known for her culinary skills and catered events with her dear friend Nancy Martz.
Linda and Rick were members of Claremont Country Club since 1987, where she served as Chair of the House Committee for several years. She enjoyed sailing as Rick's first mate as well as tennis, golf, travel, and frequent games of dominoes. She was a knowledgeable and diehard football fan, cheering for the Cal Bears and the San Francisco 49ers.
Linda was a woman of deep faith. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and a choir member at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland. She also was a Dame of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Rick (J. Richard) Arellano; and her three devoted children, Lisa Clawson (Steve), Geoff Greenlee (Sonia), Phyllis Walker (John); and her two treasured granddaughters, Sydney Rae Greenlee and Justine Linda Greenlee. In addition, she leaves behind her five stepchildren, Lorelei (Koby), Chris, David (Michelle), Pamela, Gregory (Terry); and their eight children.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 30 Mandalay Rd., Oakland, Friday, June 20. at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your favorite charity or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.