Beloved San Pedro Artist and Activist Arlene Harrison Passes Away

Arlene Beth Antonovich Harrison, a cherished member of the San Pedro community, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89. Known affectionately as Nene, she leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and activism. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude K. Harrison, who passed away in 2018, and her brother, Carl Antonovich, who died in 2024.

A Life Dedicated to Family and Community

A lifelong resident of San Pedro, California, Arlene was deeply rooted in her Croatian heritage, inspired by her family’s fishing legacy that began with her father, Carl Antonovich, and grandfather, John Antonovich, who immigrated from Korcula in 1907. Her commitment to environmental activism and community engagement defined much of her life.

Arlene was a talented artist, known for her oil paintings that captured the beauty of coastal landscapes. As a member of the San Pedro Art Association, she often painted en plein air from her ocean view beach house. Her artistic sensibility extended to her culinary skills, where she was celebrated for her Croatian seafood dishes, particularly her famous hobotnica (octopus) salad.

Family gatherings at her home on Bluff Place became a cherished tradition, with Arlene hosting memorable events such as 4th of July celebrations, Christmas Eve seafood feasts, and countless birthday parties. She was a nurturing figure, treating her sons’ friends as her own and creating a welcoming environment filled with laughter and love.

Enduring Memories and Legacy

Arlene’s impact extended beyond her immediate family. She is survived by her sons, Robb Heberer, Craig Heberer, Karl Heberer, and Chris Heberer, along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family includes granddaughters Heidi Linscomb, Megan Wescott, Molly Dragich, Marina Miller, and Liana Heberer, as well as great-grandchildren such as Jackson, Klara, and many others.

Arlene’s love for the ocean also influenced her sons, teaching them to swim at Cabrillo Beach and fostering a lifelong appreciation for beach life. Summer weeks spent on Catalina Island became a cornerstone of family tradition, filled with moments that will be cherished for generations to come.

A private Celebration of Life is currently being organized in accordance with her wishes, intended for immediate family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club, an organization that played a significant role in her sons’ upbringing, as well as to the San Pedro Art Association, reflecting Arlene’s passion for the arts.

Arlene Beth Antonovich Harrison’s life was a testament to love, creativity, and community service, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.