Arlene Clubb Sheppard passed away peacefully on August 25, 2012 at home after a long illness.  Arlene was born on July 7, 1934 in Los Angeles to Edna and John Clubb.  She grew up on Lorain Road in San Marino attending Valentine and Huntington schools, and graduated from South Pasadena-San Marino High School in 1952.

Arlene attended the University of Southern California where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.  After receiving her undergraduate degree from USC in 1956, Arlene married the love of her life, Thomas R. Sheppard (SPHS '52), who she met in first grade.  They moved to Millbrae, California for the next two years, where Arlene taught 2nd grade in Burlingame, while Tom was stationed as an officer in the U.S. Navy at Treasure Island.  At the end of his naval service, the couple moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts where Tom continued his education at Harvard Law School.  While there, Arlene gave birth to their first daughter, Eileen.

After receiving his law degree, Arlene and Tom moved back to Southern California where they resided for the remainder of their years.  While living in Hastings Ranch, Arlene gave birth to daughter number two, Pam.  A move to South Pasadena in the mid-1960s brought with it the birth of Tom Jr, followed by a return to San Marino, where Arlene lived from 1971 until her passing.

Arlene had a beautiful soprano voice, and loved to sing.  From the time that she was called upon to sing for the principal at Huntington School to her time as a member of the Arroyo Singers, she always had a song to sing and everyone wanted to listen.  In addition to music, Arlene was involved with many service activities throughout her lifetime.  As an active member of the San Marino Bethel of Job's Daughters during junior and senior high school, Arlene culminated her service as Honored Queen.  She was actively involved with the PTAs at her children's schools, and served in leadership positions with Rosemary Cottage, the San Marino Chapter of National Charity League, Delta Delta Delta Pasadena Area Alumnae, USC's Trojan Guild, and in more recent years, San Marino League.  Arlene enjoyed travels around the world with Tom and special vacations with her family and friends throughout her life.  She had a particular passion for her Valentine School "Kindergarten Club" which still gathers to this day.  She was an avid tennis player, a weekend gardener, an artist, a gourmet cook, and the consummate entertainer who welcomed anyone and everyone to her dinner table.

A warm, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Arlene cherished her family, always putting them first.  She spent 55 years married to her adoring husband Tom who predeceased her in July 2011.  She is survived by her sister Beverly (Ed) Roberts (SPHS '44), and her three children, Eileen Sheppard, Pam (Don) Knapp, and Tom (Inga deBeyer) along with her beloved grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members, all of whom were blessed to have her in their lives.

San Marino Tribune, September 16, 2012