Arlene Evelyn Tate
Arlene Evelyn Tate (née Soderberg) of Santa Barbara passed away on June 22nd, 2024 at the age of 86. Arlene was born and raised in San Diego, where she graduated from Kearney High School in 1957. While a student there, she was set up with Darrell Tate on a blind date, and they married in 1959. They had their first child in 1962.
In 1963, Arlene and Darrell moved to Santa Barbara, where they had their second child in 1966. When her daughters got older, she worked for Bank of America and then Santa Barbara County Education.
Arlene kept a beautiful garden and was a voracious reader. She could also be seen walking the dogs up at Elings Park. Arlene collected Old Spanish Days Fiesta posters and nativity scenes. Every summer, she displayed a rotation of framed posters from throughout the years (and always the latest one), and every winter she decorated the living room with a variety of nativity scenes, ranging from the traditional to the quirky and colorful.
She and Darrell traveled widely, including trips to South America, Asia and Europe, as well as all around North America. Arlene attended First United Methodist Church, and previously Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church, and was involved in various church ministries throughout her life. She was also a member of the Santa Barbara chapter of PEO.
Arlene had many deep and long-lasting friendships, including her dear friend Nadia, whom she met shortly after arriving in Santa Barbara and with whom she remained close for the rest of her life. Arlene had a huge heart, and a gift for making all those around her feel loved and cared for. She always thought of herself as a shy wallflower, but was a bright light to those who knew her, and such a supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Arlene is survived by her daughters Charlene and Marcene, sister Carol, and grandchildren Charles and Katherine. She was predeceased by her husband Darrell, and her sisters Anita, Karren, and Kathy. The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Cliff View Terrace for their loving care.
A celebration of Arlene’s wonderful life will be held at 1PM on Sunday, August 11th at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. Memorial donations may be made to Elings Park (elingspark.org), Meals on Wheels (mealsonwheelsamerica.org) or First United Methodist Church (fumcsb.org).