Jean Arnett Aldrich, born in Los Angeles on January 25, 1928 to parents, Robert and Alice Arnett, passed away February 8, 2016. She lived an idyllic sheltered life in San Marino. Her first job was working at the San Marino Library. She had one brother, Robert (SPHS '49), who predeceased her.

After graduating Pomona College, she then moved to San Francisco to live the life of a single girl working at the Emporium department store and became a fan of a local Dixieland Jazz band. In 1954, she married Milton Taylor Aldrich of Long Beach. Daughter, Alison was their first born. Charles Milton Aldrich was born two years later. Jean was very active in the community from the PTA, to working with the Long Beach City Council, President (and member for 50 years) of the American Association of University Women, and Project Head Start. After the children were old enough, she actively helped out with the family business the Aldrich Supply Company. She volunteered to help school children learn to read. She was awarded in 1976 for her work as Chairperson of the Los Angeles County-Long Beach Civic Center Authority. Also for recognition of her work with the Retarded Children's Foundation as well as the Girl and Boy Scouts.

Milton Aldrich passed away in 1994, Jean continued to live in the family home for a total of 52 years. They were among the original buyers in El Dorado Park Estates. She is the last of the Aldrich family to live in Long Beach after 97 years.

Jean was an avid reader and supporter of the Long Beach Public Library, Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, and the American Cancer Society. She loved to travel, enjoy art, history, and spend time with lifelong friends. She was a strong supporter of education and equal rights for women. A truly loving, generous person, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. To quote a close friend of hers, "A truly exceptional spirit has left this earth."

Jean is survived by Alison Aldrich of Anaheim, Charles Milton Aldrich and Carlos Castaneda of La Mesa, California.

Long Beach Press-Telegram, March 4, 2016