Arilla Chase St. Laurent of Rancho Bernardo, California passed away on August 30, 2023 with husband Chuck and daughter Simone at her side. Arilla was the youngest of 3 children born to Charles and Jane Chase in 1939 in Spooner, Wisconsin.

Arilla was a woman that enjoyed life, adventure, and family to the fullest. She will be missed by many. She studied drawing and painting at the University of Minnesota as well as Golden West College. As an adventurer, she went West to San Francisco where she met Naval Officer Charles M. St. Laurent. Wed on Treasure Island on May 27, 1967, Arilla was fully supportive of Chuck's Naval service for the next 17 years as they changed duty stations every 2 years and raised 2 children, Simone and Kevin.

In Japan, Arilla climbed Mt. Fuji (twice!), studied silk painting, Japanese pottery making and earned a teaching degree at the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. She was a Navy Relief Society volunteer at many of their Navy duty stations. In Maine, Arilla wrote a cookbook A Turkey For All Seasons and throughout the years, friends and family have enjoyed her signature dishes. In Florida, Arilla served as her son's soccer coach.

Upon retirement from the Navy in 1984, Arilla and Chuck settled in Rancho Bernardo, CA.  She owned and operated a Subway Franchise in RB for more than 12 years, developing a unique catering arm that won highest sales for all San Diego stores. Recently in her retirement, Arilla was a successful real estate investor and served on the Board of 3 entities in Georgia and Tennessee.

Arilla's enduring commitment to civic service is especially evidenced by her 26 years of membership with the RB Rotary Club.  She was Rotarian of the Year 2011 and served as President from 2015-2016.  For 39 years, Arilla was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister as well as the Vergers Guild.  Arilla was a member of RBI Women's Golf Club, Globe Guilders, a Bridge group, a Mahjong group as well as her beloved Wine Whiners and Aerobics Dancing groups. She couldn't be missed jetting around town in her distinct BMW roadster.

Arilla's varied adventures include solo trips to Italy, France, and China.  Arilla and Chuck are avid sailors and owned a sailboat in the Caribbean, sailing many times with friends and family. Highlights in their adventures together are sailing around New Zealand, living in Pisa, Italy as well as exploring Greece and numerous cruises.

Arilla's painting career started at age 8 with oils and evolved to acrylics at the University of Minnesota as well as silk painting.  The majority of her paintings are either fantastic abstracts or flowers and sea scapes.

Arilla was loyal, empathetic and a great listener.  She was a warm, loving, and supportive Wife, Mother, Mother-in-Law, Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Aunt, Godmother and Friend.  Arilla encouraged everyone's talents, careers, growing families, and community service.  The outpouring of stories, messages and love are testament to her wide impact and well-lived Life.  Most especially to her husband of 56 years, Chuck, whom she was devoted and aligned as partners in the adventures of Life!

Services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Bartholomew's Church 16275 Pomerado Rd, Poway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to her Rotary Club's Foundation at Rancho Bernardo PO Box 28005 San Diego, CA 92198.