Tribute

Arlene was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and passed away peacefully at her home in Okeover, BC. She is remembered lovingly and survived by her sons Jonathan and Christopher, her two grandchildren Jessica and Coltrane and many friends around the world.

Arlene graduated from Evander Childs High School in Bronx, NY, with honours in 1955 and married the love of her life, Al Carsten, in 1956. Together they attended Alfred University in upstate New York, where Arlene studied at the School of Nursing. Al and Arlene founded the AJ Carsten Company in the mid-70s, where Arlene acted as chief financial officer for many years while also pursuing a career in politics.

Arlene served on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors from 1971 to 1975 and was council chair from 1972 to 1974. She served as a city councilperson and mayor of Del Mar, California, from 1982 to 1986, where she devoted her time to improving the environment, public safety, transportation and housing. Arlene also served as executive director of the Institute for Burn Medicine, the non-profit which established the Regional Burn Center at University Hospital in San Diego, CA, and was a founding member of the UC San Diego School of Medicine Associates. Following her retirement in BC, Arlene continued her efforts as an environmental activist and conservationist.

Arlene enjoyed travelling the world with her husband, reading to her grandchildren and tending to her garden in Canada. There will be no service at her request, but she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.