Arlene Laura Be Cotte

Arlene Laura (nee Urista) Be Cotte:  Born March 24, 1937 and passed away February 28, 2017.  A native of Southern California, she grew up in San Pedro, graduated from Banning High School, and earned her degree from California State University, Long Beach.  She taught for the Los Angeles Unified School district for 40 years at Catskill Elementary School in Carson.

Arlene married her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) on February 29, 1960. They purchased a house in Long Beach and had three children, Denise (Ann Marie), Cheryl (Tim) and Steven (Jennifer).  She adored being a grandmother to Lauren and Benjamin, and was proud of their many accomplishments.

Arlene traveled across the country and around the world, tackled crossword and jigsaw puzzles, gardened, collected antiques and was an avid reader, especially Patricia Cornwell and Carl Hiaasen. She liked to stay up late to watch Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, Paul Lynde on Hollywood Squares, Columbo, and Peter Sellers movies.  She enjoyed many of the shows on PBS, including Huell Howser and the Rick Steves’ travel program.  She loved good food and good conversation with her neighbors and friends.  Arlene liked root beer, tea, chocolate covered orange peels, sea food, and just about everything on the menu at Enriques, KPasta and Café Hiro.  She was a volunteer at the Banning Museum in San Pedro, and earned an Honor Pin from the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles for her volunteer work.  Arlene was a member of Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church.

Arlene is predeceased by her parents, Manuel and Laura Urista, and grandson Matthew Brady. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by four sisters and three brothers, many nieces and nephews, cousins, great friends from Catskill and the Banning House, and wonderful long-time neighbors on and around Gondar Avenue.

A viewing and Rosary for Arlene takes place on Friday, March 17th, 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Luyben Dilday Mortuary , 5161 E. Arbor Rd., Long Beach 90808.  Funeral services are Saturday, March 18th, 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 5195 E Stearns St, Long Beach 90815, with burial after the service at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.  A reception at the      Be Cotte home, 2051 Gondar Avenue, Long Beach 90815, will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles and the Gary Sinese Foundation.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401