Arlene Hann

Arlene Zemma Fisher Hann was born on September 29th, 1927, in a small pueblo in Texas, grew up in Mississippi, and moved to California as a teenager after the Dust Bowl during the “Dirty Thirties” following the Great Depression (which she wrote about in her second novel, Barefoot). After arriving in California, Arlene and her family began working as migrant field workers, picking fruit and vegetables, and traveling from Southern California all the way up to Washington, depending on the season. Her family eventually settled in Sebastopol on an apple orchard, and Arlene enrolled in Petaluma High School.

Arlene was always a natural artist but she also loved to dance; as fate would have it, dancing would bring her and her husband, Floyd “Bud” Earl Hann, together after they met and danced at the Bath House in Boyes Hot Springs. Following their wedding, they built their home in Glen Ellen, where they resided together for nearly 60 years. They were business owners for 45 of those 60 years, running a service station along with their restaurant, the Madrone Coffee Shop. Meanwhile, Arlene had a ten-year career working with her ‘kids’ at the Sonoma Developmental Center as a Pysch Tech. Arlene owned and operated her beloved home art studio and gallery, offering weekly art lessons, which were open to the public. She was also largely known for her contribution with the Salute to the Arts, and she always had a booth at the Sonoma Vintage Festival. Arlene loved to travel and wanted to see the world: Italy, Greece, Portugal, France, England, Ireland, Mexico, Wales (just to name a few).

Arlene leaves behind her sons, Gregg Hann and Michael Hann (Debbie Jo Hann); her grandchildren, Christopher Hann (Kimberly, Emily, Keira, Lilly & Abby Hann), Jessica Hann-Shatto (Christopher Shatto), Michelle Hann (Christian Pajon), Alicia White (Michael Andrieux and Sean, Tessa, Joey & Layla White); and her siblings, Lenard Fisher (Judy) and Gene Zophi (Pete). She was looking forward to being reunited with her husband, Floyd “Bud” Hann; her beloved daughter, Deborah Gayle Andrieux; her grandson, Joseph Michael Andrieux; her parents, Leota & Claude Fisher; and her sister, Laverne Lopez.

Arlene peacefully passed away Sunday, February 25th, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. A Celebration of Arlene’s Life will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, located at 16290 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, April 7th, at 2 pm, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pets Lifeline, F.I.S.H., Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, or Friends of Dunbar School (FODS) / Dunbar School.

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