Collins, Arlene Isley German Obituary

Collins, Arlene Isley German attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Collins, Arlene Isley German.

Graduation Year	Class of 1954
Date of Passing	May 20, 2017
About	Arlene Ann German, age 81, from Irvine, California passed away Saturday May 20th, 2017 at the Hoag Irvine Hospital surrounded by her family. Arlene was born in Gary, Indiana March 22, 1936 to Frank and Irene Collins. She attended college at Indiana University majoring in English. It was during high school that Arlene began her career as a jazz pianist. She played with her late first husband, Alan Isley, in his father’s Big Band and the music never stopped from there. Alan and Arlene formed their own 18-piece Big Band in the heat of the Jazz era. She played nights and weekends while raising their four children and the music continued on till the very end. A few highlights of her career were; the many years she played New Year’s Eve at the Catalina Casino Ballroom for an audience of 800+, Carnegie Hall with Bones West on her 70th birthday, the NAMM show with Bones West, long standing gigs with ‘The Yachtsmen’ at The Phoenix Club, with her own band ‘Arlene and the Guys’ at Steamers Jazz Club, and solo for 20+ years at Café Mozart. Her music, the weekly rehearsals and the bands for over 60 years were her treasured moments. Arlene relocated the family to California in 1972. She met her 2nd late husband Robert German shortly thereafter and they spent many years together with the family enjoying boating with annual trips to Lake Powell and the Colorado River, RVing, motorcycling trips to the desert and of course music. Known for their July 4th parties by the pool with live jazz and late nights everyone enjoyed their time together. Loved by all, Arlene, known as ‘Mom’ to many, is survived by her Brother James Collins and family, Sister Ann Sanders and family, five children and four grandchildren: Debbie Moskus and children AJ and Analisa Moskus of Irvine, CA, Diane Isley and husband Stephan Cavelti of Emeryville, CA, Dale Isley, wife Coylene and daughters Daylene and Cloie Isley of Spokane Valley WA, Dawn Isley of Irvine, CA and step-son Jerry German of Downey, CA. Services will be held Sunday June 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at: El Toro Memorial Park Cemetery, 25751 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Arlene will be laid to rest with her loving husband Robert German. ____________________________________ On Saturday, May 20th, our world lost an amazing woman. The Angels above welcomed our Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Arlene German. Mom was so many things to so many people, and known far and wide as an incredibly talented and accomplished musician. Having played professional piano for more than 60 years, she left this world as every true musician hopes to; Still actively playing jobs 3-4 nights every week! Her career took her on amazing adventures throughout the United States, making life-long friendships and touching the lives of so many along the way. She was, indeed, well known and highly respected in the music industry. And those eyes...Those beautiful crystal blue eyes! Truly a stunning woman still, entering her 80's! Always helpful and kind, she would never fail to welcome you into her home, feed you, and make you feel like part of our family. She left us suddenly which can, in some ways, be seen as a blessing. No worries, no struggles, no pain. I am thankful she did not suffer. Although it has left an incredible void and sense of loss for us all. She will be missed by so many, and always remembered with fond and loving thoughts. Rest in Peace with the Angels in Heaven Mom. We love you ? Dawn Isley