Arlene Susan Hillman Shank lived a full and beautiful life. Her love of family was a driving force, as was her passion for teaching and, later, traveling. She died on January 30, 2026, with her loved ones by her side. Born in Coatesville, PA, on February 28, 1947, she was the daughter of Evelyn Riebman and Herman Hillman and the devoted sister of her late brother, Andrew, and late sister, Sarah Leah. She later met the love of her life, Jerry Shank, on a blind date and married soon thereafter. Together, they lived in Hatboro, PA, where Arlene taught second grade students at Davisville Elementary School in Southampton for over 30 years. She dedicated her time to her family, students and her dear “Forever Friends Group” who she met early on in her teaching career and carried with her throughout life. Her son, Jonathan, his wife, Mindi, and grandsons, Owen and Levi, lit up her life and brought endless joy. She treasured her relationships with her nieces and nephew and relished opportunities to celebrate holidays and life’s big moments with her extended family. After moving to the West Coast in retirement, she cultivated beautiful friendships in the Laguna Woods community over the last decade, where she enjoyed playing mah jong, participating at Temple, and advocating for human rights. She loved reading and playing word games, attending live music events, and discovered a talent for painting. Arlene found happiness being with her friends and family, cooking, visiting national parks, spending time in her garden, and enjoying the outdoors in the warm southern California sunshine. She generously shared her love and hugs with so many. May her memory be a blessing to all who had the pleasure and good fortune to know her.

We will honor her memory and celebrate her life at 2 PM (Pacific Time) on Friday, February 6 at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Sarah Leah Hillman McKinley Scholarship Fund, 1445 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320

To view Arlene’s Memorial Ceremony virtually, please use the link below:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc3MDE0MDI5MTM5OTcwOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==