Barbara Wilmsen Arnold

Barbara Arnold, a long-time resident of La Cañada/Flintridge, passed away on March 10 following a brief illness. She was born in Los Angeles to Bernice Gilbert Kiggens and Earl Jennings Kiggens and was the eldest of three daughters. When Barbara was eleven years old the family moved to Glendale where she graduated from Glendale High School in 1946. She had maintained nearly perfect grades.

Barbara was a member of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Southern California, obtaining her Master’s Degree in Marketing. While in the post graduate program she met and fell in love with Robert C. Wilmsen. He graduated from the USC Law School and took a position with Latham and Watkins, Attorneys at Law in Los Angeles. They were married and built their first home in La Cañada where they celebrated the births of their children, Teri Jo and Mark. A few years later the family together designed their “dream” home on Woodleigh Lane. The completion of this second home was done during the illness which took Mr. Wilmsen’s life.

Mrs. Arnold had a life-long interest in history and was a passionate traveler. She and her second husband, Leon Arnold shared a love of golf and world travel. They enjoyed trips to India and China, Kenya and South Africa, Borneo, Patagonia and Sicily, among others. All together they visited 82 countries. They were long time members of the La Cañada Country Club. Another interest they shared was the raising of English Mastiffs. Barbara especially enjoyed socializing the pups as they came along. Some of the dogs were shown and several became members of the family.

Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed classical music to her last days. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Leon, daughter, Teresa Jo Wilmsen and son, Mark Robert Wilmsen; sisters, Ardys Hunter (Mrs. Kenneth) of Claremont and Carolyn Stover, of Grass Valley, CA. She also leaves a number of loving nieces and nephews.

She was laid to rest in a private grave-side service at Forest Lawn, Glendale. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Barbara’s name to the Pasadena Humane Society, 361 So. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91150.