Arlene Mcdonald

O'Neil

Arlene McDonald O'Neil was born April 6, 1933, in Gilroy, California to parents Clyde
and Lyda (Green) McDonald of North San Benito County. Arlene was the younger sister
of Alan McDonald. She attended Ausaymas Grammar School and later graduated from
San Benito Joint Union High School. She also received her AA Degree at Gavilan
College.

Arlene worked for over two decades at the High School and is remembered fondly by
many students who she assisted as an instructional aid and in the Library. At the age of
18, she married her husband of 25 years, Richard Caldera. Arlene is survived by four
children, Kathy Caldera, Janet Caldera, Tom and Mary Caldera, and Susie and Jim
Knoll, by her grandchildren Joshua and Makenzi Knoll, Jackson and Kelsey Knoll,
Tommy Rust, two great grandchildren, Hazel and Lucy Knoll, and seven nieces and
nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard Caldera and later, Ralph
O'Neil, and her brother Alan McDonald.

Upon her retirement from the high school, Arlene volunteered at the Hazel Hawkins
Hospital Auxiliary, working at Hazel's Treasures for many years.  She was a member of
the Philanthropic Educational Organization, known as PEO, which raised funds for
student scholarships and celebrated and motivated women around the world through
education. Arlene was a member of Christ Fellowship Church where she served in
many capacities including as a deacon.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Our Lady of Peace
Home Care in Vacaville, California, for taking great care of our mother for the last years
of her life, as well as the staff at Yolo Cares Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 23rd at Paine's Restaurant from 12
Noon until 4 PM.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests
donations to Alzheimers Association.