Arlene Rachel Young

Arlene Rachel Young, 86, died August 29, 2026. A psychologist, early childhood educator, devoted mother and grandmother, and lifelong advocate for children and families, Arlene was known for her loving nature, kindness, compassion, and free spirit. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and included.

Arlene was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 28, 1940, to Milly Millstein and Irving Garber. Her family moved to East Los Angeles in 1943, where she spent her childhood. She attended California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. In 1967, with her young family, she moved to Boulder, Colorado. While there, deeply affected by the Civil Rights Movement and the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., she co-founded New Horizons Cooperative Preschool, with a focus on inclusivity and creative learning. In 1980, after moving to San Diego with her family, she continued her work with young children and later became a director at Head Start Preschool.

At the age of 42, Arlene decided to embark on a new career in psychology. She earned her master's degree from San Diego State University and her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology. She went on to establish a successful private practice in San Diego, where she spent 30 years specializing in working with children and families.

Service to others remained an important part of Arlene's life. She volunteered with numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, helping displaced families following Hurricane Katrina and working in Germany with children of military families. After retiring in 2013, she moved to Brentwood, California, to be closer to her family. There, she continued volunteering with school-age and at-risk children. Her greatest joys were spending time with her daughters and their families, whether camping in Yosemite, traveling to Africa, or getting ice cream at McDonald's.

Arlene leaves behind her loving daughters, Zoe (Brett) Scolari, Tamar (Brian) Senior, and Julie (Paul) Davies. She was a devoted grandmother to Gianna (Charlie) Bertole. Ryan Scolari, Mathew Scolari, Sarah (Kevin) Riggs , Maya Davies, and Stephen Senior, and great-grandmother to Luca Berrole. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Young.

Arlene lived a rich and purposeful life dedicated to children, family, service, and the belief that everyone deserved to feel seen and included. Her curiosity, generosity, humor, and loving spirit touched countless lives. She will be deeply and forever missed by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.