Roxanne Elaine (Reinesto) Dahlen
Roxanne Elaine (Reinesto) Dahlen, born on April 27, 1951, in Santa Barbara, California, to Joseph and Dorothy Reinesto, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 28, 2024. She was 73 years old.
Roxanne was a native of Santa Barbara, attended Hope Elementary School then transferred to Vieja Valley where she went to school with her future husband! She then went on to La Colina Junior High School before graduating from San Marcos High School in 1969. Roxanne made lifelong friends during her school years, and she continued to keep a core group of girlfriends that she considered family. During her high school years, she worked at Jedlica’s, a role she fondly remembered for the friendships and experiences it brought. After graduation, she embarked on a 30+ year career in accounting, starting at Sambo’s, where her dedication and hard work quickly earned her recognition. She later became a controller for Invest West and ultimately retired as the Vice President of Finance at Pacifica Hotel Co., leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity.
Beyond her career, Roxanne was a pillar of her community and a shining example of generosity and involvement. She actively contributed to her high school reunion committee, fostering connections and keeping the spirit of her class alive. Roxanne and Roger shared a passion for classic cars, and together they enjoyed participating in car clubs, often spending weekends at car shows, sharing laughter and memories with fellow enthusiasts. Her life was also devoted to her children’s activities—she was a Cub Scouts den mother, an enthusiastic PTA volunteer, and a steadfast supporter of local sports. Whether it was cheering on and ringing the “cowbell” for Shawn during his football games or taking and applauding Shannon at countless beauty pageant performances and high school cheerleading, Roxanne was always their biggest supporter.
Roxanne had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. She cherished the times spent with friends and family on cruises, camping trips, and day excursions to the casino. Among some of her favorite destinations were the Hawaiian Islands and Laughlin, Nevada, where she and Roger enjoyed extended stays. She loved playing digital poker machines and was known for her uncanny luck, often returning with stories of her winnings and unforgettable moments.
Shortly after high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Roger Dahlen, at Saint Raphael’s Church in a ceremony filled with hope and promise. They moved to Virginia while Roger was in the Navy and moved back to warmer weather when he was done serving. Their love story was one of devotion, partnership, and enduring affection. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love. Their bond was a testament to what true partnership means, and together they created countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of their family.
Roxanne leaves behind numerous friends and associates she met during her life. She is survived by her loving family: devoted husband Roger; son, Shawn (and his wife Denise); daughter, Shannon (and her husband Chris); grandchildren, Ashley, Hunter, Brooklyn and Cole; step grandchildren, Daniela, and Addison. She also had several cousins, nieces and nephews she cared about deeply. Roxanne was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who always put family first. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone around her.
Roxanne was the matriarch and glue of her family, she will be missed more than words could express, but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.
A celebration of Roxanne’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Mulligan’s Café at 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara, Ca 93105. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and honoring the beautiful person she was and life she lived.