She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from San Francisco State University, a path that reflected her deep care for others and her interest in community well-being. During her college years and early adulthood, Arlene worked in retail at Contempo Casuals, Nordstrom, and Bebe. She loved fashion, not simply as clothing, but as a form of creativity and self-expression, and had a natural eye for style, color, and detail. Later, she worked at Genentech for more than two decades, where she met her husband, Abe. They were known as a Genen-couple.
Family was always Arlene’s anchor and her greatest joy. For over twenty years, she shared her life with her husband, Abe. Abe’s favorite player was the GOAT, Michael Jordan, and Arlene happily let their children share the same initials, MJ. Raising Mikayla Jasmine and Marcus Jacob was the center of Arlene’s life; she guided them with care and deep hope for their future. She handled the thousand small things that keep a family going and still made room for laughter and joy. Arlene was deeply connected to her parents, siblings, and extended family, and took great pride in her role as a daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt.
She cherished time spent with family. She remembered details, checked in often, and made time for others even when life was busy. At gatherings, Arlene moved easily between conversations, making sure everyone felt included and cared for. When she arrived, her smile changed the room. People felt seen.
Beyond family, Arlene expressed herself through creativity. She loved to paint, to travel, and to make beautiful things with her hands, and she was especially drawn to the warmth and color of the islands. She found peace in tending to her plants and orchids, patiently caring for them and noticing their quiet changes. Being close to nature steadied her. Through her paintings, flowers, and intricate designs, Arlene reflected the beauty she saw in the world around her. She noticed small details, turned everyday moments into something lasting, and lived by her belief that “my inspirations and creativity are within nature itself.” That way of seeing remains part of what she leaves behind.
Arlene passed away on January 9, 2026, far too soon, in a way that was sudden and completely unexpected. As her family continues to move through the shock of her loss, her husband, Abe, wishes to share this message in her honor, offered with love and care. To those who loved her, what defined Arlene most was her heart, a big heart. A heart that gave freely, loved deeply, and always made room for others.
With that same care, Abe gently asks that we all remember to look after ourselves, to listen to our bodies, and to take time to care for one another. If Arlene’s story reminds even one person to pause, to check in, or to offer kindness, it would mean something deeply meaningful to the family she loved beyond measure.
Arlene is survived by her loving husband of over twenty years, Abraham (Abe) Leano, and their children, Mikayla and Marcus; her devoted parents, Aleli Aczon and Leonardo Tamayo Suguitan; her sister, Nellie, and brother-in-law, Albert Salazar; her brother, Leonard, and sister-in-law, Ashley Suguitan; her nephews, Jordan and Jonah Yu; and Abe’s siblings, Vince; Henry and Tina Leano; Linda and Fred Ludovico; and Mary, Bolt, and Ross. She is also survived by the beloved Leano family dog, Jordan, and many nieces, nephews, and relatives across the Aczon, Suguitan, and Leano families.
She is reunited with loved ones who went before her, her grandparents, Juanita Bolusan Felicismo Aczon, Isabel Tamayo, and Andres Suguitan, including Abe’s parents, Vicente Leano and Melendrina Agcaoili Leano; her sister-in-law, Patty Leano Pecho; Patty’s husband, Greg Pecho; and her beloved nephew, Salvador Vicente Leano-Novoa.
Her absence is felt deeply and daily. What remains are the ways she lived, the warmth she shared, the beauty she created, and the love she gave so freely.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Arlene. A visitation and rosary vigil will be held on February 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Olivet Chapel, 1601 Hillside Boulevard, Colma, California.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Dolores Basilica, 3321 16th Street, San Francisco, California. Interment will follow at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, California.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness, presence, and shared memories have brought comfort and strength and are deeply appreciated.
