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Reis Family Mortuary and Crematory - San Luis Obispo

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San Luis Obispo, California

Arlene Zanchuck Obituary

Arlene Zanchuck Arlene Villa Zanchuck passed away in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, November 6, 2014. She was born in Cayucos in February, 1920 to Frank and Cora Villa and was a sixth generation native Californian. Arlene was descended from the California pioneer families of Villa, Higuera, and Pedrotta. She grew up in the Villa Creek area on the San Geronimo Land Grant that was awarded to her great-grandfather in July 1876. The family moved to San Luis Obispo when Arlene was 19. After graduating high school, Arlene worked part-time as a sales clerk at the Sinsheimer Mercantile on Monterey Street and attended San Luis Obispo Junior College where she studied art. Arlene had a deep appreciation of art in all forms, especially exquisitely hand crafted pottery, needlepoint and hand-sewn items. In 1944 Arlene, along with three of her friends and her sister, Lucille, became a Junior Hostess with the USO. Several times a week the soldiers from Camp San Luis Obispo would come to the Federal Recreation Building (Ludwig Recreation Center) for dances. In August 1945, Arlene met her husband-to-be Bill Zanchuck, a Timberwolf, stationed at Camp San Luis Obispo. They were married in the Old Mission in April 1946. Bill and Arlene's son Michael was born in 1949. Arlene was a Lifetime Member of the County Historical Society and a docent at the County Historical Museum. She also volunteered as a docent at the Dallidet Adobe. She was a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and became a charter member and board member of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of San Luis Obispo. She was an ardent gardener and was a charter member of the San Luis Obispo County Botanical Gardens. In 2009 she was recognized as a "Friend of the Gardens." she was Life Member #531 of Los Californianos, in which she authenticated her Spanish ancestry to before 1850. Arlene is survived by her nephews: Gary, John, Frank, David, Paul Villa and Keith Doser; nieces: Anne Rice, Eileen Hinds and Chrissy Zanchuck; 10 great-nephews; 11 great-nieces; 4 great-great-nephews; 3 great-great nieces and her brother-in-law, Jerry Doser and her sister-in-law, Louise Villa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Zanchuck; her son, Michael Zanchuck; her brother, Elwood Villa; her sister, Lucille Villa Doser and her niece, Yvonne Villa Blythe Silva. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, from 4:00-7:00pm at Reis Family Mortuary, San Luis Obispo. There will be a memorial service Thursday, November 13, at 11:00am at Reis Family Mortuary, with burial at the Cayucos Cemetery on Friday, November 14, at 9:00am. Donations may be made to Transitions Mental Health, P.O. Box 15408, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 93406; The Dallidet Adobe (checks to SLO History Center), 696 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 93401; The National Association on Mental Illness, BMW San Luis Obispo NAMI, P.O. Box 3158, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 93403; or The History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 93401. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Nov. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Zanchuck

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Debbie Bilek

November 5, 2024

I miss this dear friend so much! She was a gem! She had a way of making you feel like you were the most precious person on the earth. She was always blessing others in such special ways.

Jackie Kane

November 6, 2023

Just thinking about this wonderful lady makes me smile!

Jan Wiskerson

December 6, 2014

You are now an angel watching over us. I will see you in the beautiful sunsets as you always slept in for the sunrises. This light is for you.

KathleenBiagginiLongmire and Eleanore MolnarBiaggini

November 18, 2014

This incredible woman left her mark on so, so many who loved her dearly. She was an inspiration to all.She actually babysat Eleanor Biaggini when Eleanore was 11 years old..... this from Arlene a few years ago when we visited her at her home. She was a dear friend of Cora and Corina Negrati. Eleanoe and Kathleen knew her well when they lived with their grandmother and aunt to attend Mission School. That was a long, long time ago. She worked at hill's stationery with Cora Negranti. The world is a bit lesser a place now. How blessed we are to have known her and call her our friend. May she rest in peace.

Bill and Marsha Cattaneo

November 16, 2014

Our condolences on Arlene's passing. May she rest in eternal peace.

Jamesq Horn

November 15, 2014

Mrs. Zanchuk, Arlene, was a bright, humble, and loving spirit. My mother and Arlene were friends and she would always remark what a wonderful person Arlene was. There was something special about her and one knew it the moment she spoke; there was a kindness in her voice that was simply unexplainable. It isn't often one meets such a person. I consider myself lucky for having known her. There is a special place in heaven for such people. Go in peace, Arlene.

Carol Blumberg

November 13, 2014

Every time we met she always made me feel special and loved. The world is a better place because she was here,

Robert Holmes

November 13, 2014

A beautiful and amazing lady. This woman was one of the greats. The world is a poorer place now. RIP Arlene.

Susan Crawford

November 12, 2014

It was always wonderful to speak with you on the phone and get your cards. I wish we had had a chance to get re-acquainted and have dinner together! Thank you for your kindness and amazing spirit. We love you, Arlene! Love, your cousin Susan (also, on behalf of my mother, Marian Pedrotta Buley)

Jill Bolster-White

November 12, 2014

Arlene Zanchuck was an amazing, funny, insightful, pioneering, inspiring woman. We will miss her so very much. Rest in peace, dear Arlene.

November 12, 2014

Sweet Arlene, you were a gem who was loved by so many and will be forever missed. Bill, Debbie, Ariana, Brennan and Rebekah Bilek, former tenants and beloved friends.

Boz Schrage

November 12, 2014

Met her many times at Dallidet and History Center functions - always friendly and upbeat.

Joan Villa

November 12, 2014

Rest in peace. Thank you for the love you gave and the joy you brought to our lives.

Jackie Kane

November 12, 2014

I met Arlene as a docent at Jack House. Loved hearing her stories about early days and just her upbeat. warm personality. Wish she could have stayed with us forever.

Jackie Garza

November 12, 2014

May you rest in peace, Arlene.
The Garza Family

Dixie Cliff

November 12, 2014

Arlene was a very special, loving lady and will be greatly missed. It has been a privilege to know her.

Jackie Garza

November 12, 2014

We'll miss you, Arlene. Your spirit and your compassion for those touched by mental illness through your work with NAMI and Transitions Mental Health Association have helped and inspired many. The Garza Family---Rómulo, Jackie, Chris, Phil, and Gabi.

November 11, 2014

Arlene will always be in our thoughts and prayers. She was always upbeat, full of energy and good advice. A real sweetheart of a lady. Mom and Arlene grew up and stayed in touch all their lives. She will be greatly missed. Norma Senff and Gary

November 11, 2014

Arlene was my dear friend,along with Wendy Lima since 1972 when we all worked together at Hills Stationary Store. We have gotten together every year since then and had numerous phone conversations . My heart has been so enriched by knowing her and I will miss my dear lady friend. I feel so blessed by having you in my life all these years. I will cherish our memories forever.

Dean Smith

November 11, 2014

Arlene had a profound effect on the local NAMI group. I met her there 12 years ago, and she was always positive and encouraging. A dear friend who will be missed.

Roberta Kassak

November 11, 2014

We always enjoyed knowing Arlene. She was a joy. Last Christmas we stopped by her house so my husband, aka, Santa stopped to wish her a Merry Christmas. It was with great joy to see her smile and give her hugs. Arlene will always be remembered with love and great memories. Frank and Roberta Kassak

Randal Cruikshanks

November 11, 2014

Randal Cruikshanks with sincere thanks for all you did for the Dallidet Adobe and the History Center of San Luis Obispo County.

November 11, 2014

Arlene was a very special lady,she was always so helpful and so generous. She will be greatly missed.Arlene was very articulate and always had words of advice.

Bruce & Myla Collier

November 11, 2014

The world has lost a wonderful lady, kind to all and proud of her heritage. The History of SLO was rewarded by her presence every where she went.

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Reis Family Mortuary and Crematory - San Luis Obispo

991 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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