The man who would become her husband wasn’t intended to be her date that night. But beneath a starry sky, as the UC Berkeley co-eds rode the ferry across the bay to San Francisco, it was love at first sight. He proposed to her under the campus campanile that spring semester before he graduated.

Sam Hobbs had affectionately given Arlene the nickname “Daisy,” and over the years everyone came to call her by this name.

They married in 1940, and having raised their family together in Southern California, moved to Bainbridge Island in 1973 after Daisy accepted a role as a Special Education teacher at Wilkes Elementary.

After Sam’s death in 1983, Daisy adopted an independent life focused on learning, education, service and the exploration of her spiritual journey. Friends will be tickled to know that, even in her final moments, she was still debating the concepts of fate and destiny.

A cherished community member on the island, Daisy taught ESL to local families and tai chi at the senior center, opened her home to a weekly drumming circle and tai chi groups, and read astrology charts for many.  She was a passionate supporter of environmental causes and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, was an avid knitter for charity, and volunteered with Helpline House, the Bloedel Reserve and other island programs.

In her 94 years she raised four wonderful children (Dave, Larry, Marilyn and Jim Hobbs). She is survived by each of them, their spouses whom she called her daughters, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren (and counting!).

The family would like to give special thanks to Daisy’s amazing caregiving team (Barb, Carol, Debby, Eva, Fiona, Jan, Jill, Joanne and Nancy) and neighbors (Janice and Monty) who provided heart-felt support while she was at home over these past two years.

Daisy passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2015, surrounded by the love of her family, with the vision of her cherished Tahoma in the distance.

A memorial gathering is planned for early spring. Sign the online guest book at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.