Arlene Rosenthal

We are sad to announce the passing of Arlene Pam Rosenthal of Desert Hot Springs, CA. She died at the age of 79 on October 17, 2023, from illness due to an infection. Arlene is survived by brother Lawrence Rosenthal, sister-in-law Mary Ann Rosenthal, nieces Jennifer and Jackie Rosenthal, sons Justin Woods, Joey Braxton, Joey’s son Michael, and first cousins Shelli Cohen and Stevie Manuels.

The funeral will be a private graveside ceremony at Forest Lawn with only close family members and friends to be followed by a Life Celebration open to all touched by Arlene on November 9, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Arlene’s Celebration of Life will be located at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert at 125 West El Alameda, Palm Springs, California, 92262.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arlene received a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish at UCLA. She was proficient in a number of languages. After graduating in 1966, Arlene worked for the Probation Department as a counselor and then as a bilingual teacher in the L.A. School District. After moving to the Bay Area and teaching school for a few years, Arlene moved to Desert Hot Springs in 1973, where she continued with her career as a bilingual teacher.

She eventually settled on a career as a Custom Clothier working for the Shirt Tale of Palm Springs. After a number of years of apprenticeship, Arlene established Rosenthal of Palm Springs. She also served as the President of Opera Arts and sat on a number of boards along with an incredible love for music. During her time in the Desert, Arlene mentored many children including both Justin and Joey, who she considered herself to be a surrogate mother to them.

Arlene was most well-known for serving on the board of a non-profit, the Well in the Desert, and after a few years, she became its President and has served for the last 20 years providing much needed services for the homeless in Palm Springs. Arlene spent years promoting the needs of those who could not provide for themselves. She had a very strong community spirit that translated in her work at the Well. The Well served hundreds of meals a day, providing clothing, transportation, even haircuts, many of the basic needs that the homeless were lacking.

Arlene will be remembered by her extraordinary philanthropy work for the less fortunate in the Desert. Arlene, we will miss you and not forget all that you have provided to so many in the Desert!

Anyone wanting to send well wishes or donations in celebration of Arlene's life may mail them to Well in the Desert, PO Box 5312, Palm Springs, CA. 92263 or call the office at (760) 656-8905.