Pasadena Star-News (CA) - February 20, 2009

ARROBIO-Rene Pappas Arrobio, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Valentine's morning, amongst family and friends after difficulties with Hepatitis C. She was born on Mother Day, May 8, 1945, in Pasadena, California to Nick and Deedee Pappas. She graduated from John Muir High School and the University of Southern California where her father was the Associate Athletic Director for over 30 years. She was active on campus as a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and was known for her exquisite beauty and grace. Selected as a Homecoming Princess, she was also the first "Greek Week Queen" at U.S.C. After getting married and settling in her home town, Rene became active with various organizations including the Pasadena Junior League, the Assistance League, Town and Gown Junior Auxiliary, Trojan Junior Auxiliary and Zonta Club of Pasadena. She earned her master's degree at Azusa Pacific University in Marriage and Family Counseling and began a private counseling practice in Pasadena. For the past 12 years, Rene has also been a special education counselor for the South Pasadena School District where she helped myriad students and their families. She was loved deeply by the school community for her contributions in helping all around her thrive and succeed. She was an extremely good listener and helped many throughout her life as they faced various challenges. Her selfless personality made her a loyal friend and she enjoyed deeply her beloved "Pasadena Bridge Group" with whom she took trips over the years to Paris, the Loire Valley, the Northern Italian Coast, Provence, Russia, Prague and Australia. Rene was an excellent chef and knew how to create beauty all around her home. She expressed her artistic abilities in her treasured flower garden. A loving mother, a devoted grandmother with a heart filled with compassion, Rene Pappas Arrobio will be greatly missed by those who survive her -- her father Nick Pappas, sisters Lisa Widman and Mona Pappas, her loving children Christina Arrobio-Zietsman, Geoffrey C. Arrobio and Peter A. Arrobio and beautiful and beloved grandchildren, India and Max Zietsman, Sienna and Alex Arrobio. Funeral services will be held at St. Bede's Church (215 Foothill Blvd, La Canada Flintridge, CA) this Saturday the 21st at 1 PM (818) 949-4300; to be followed by a celebration of life at the home of Ms. Susan Kenny located a 300 Bellefontaine Avenue, Pasadena, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in two forms:The South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) for the Special Education Department for training in special skills for the "Leading with Heart" program. PO Box 3342, South Pasadena CA 91031-3342. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena