Rena Dell Coburn

January 30, 1923 - November 24, 2020

VISTA — Rena Dell Coburn died Tuesday, November 24, 2020 under the loving care of Apreva Hospice, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for many years. She has joined the following loved ones in Heaven: Her beloved Mel, husband of almost 66 years, her beautiful first born daughter Terry, as well as her dear own Dad and Mom, Jack and Sally. Rena’s adoring survivors include her son, Paul Coburn, daughter Bonnie Kucera, Grandchildren Lisa Frampton, Allison

Graichen, Sam Kucera and Great-grandchildren Sarah Hawkins, Breanah Frampton, Dexter Frampton, Maxwell Kucera and Graham Kucera.

Rena was a creative and loving wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, actress, singer and creative writer. She was in several stage productions in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, appeared on television in the 1950’s and ’60’s in “Night Court” and “Highway Patrol” and she tap danced on the radio as a kid in the 1930’s.

Rena was a member of SAG, AFTRA and Actor’s Equity Association. Rena, as a songwriter, wrote “Velvet Eyes”, “There’s More” and “Amore Di Vita” which were recorded by the Russo Brothers in the late 1950’s. Velvet Eyes hit #9 on radio’s “top ten” list. Rena was very active in community service volunteering in the 1960’s for CEDU, Big Sister, and for San Bernardino County’s mental health line. In addition, she was very active in San Bernardino’s Temple Emanuel’s Sisterhood organization. Rena also worked with her husband, Mel, in their “Mel Coburn Fine Men’s Clothing” store in San Bernardino.

Rena was an affectionate soul, and always loved cuddling, talking, laughing with her family, and reading to her kids and grandkids. As her kids and grandkids grew to be adults, Rena became their close friend as well. She was always there for them to listen, give guidance, and just to chat with and give a good dose of affirmation and love. When Mel died, in 2007, she was the one needing all of that and more. Especially with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Roles reversed, but for many years she still held that spark of love and joy in their presence, even when her recognition of them waned and then failed altogether.

Rena taught her family so much: About love, kindness, compassion, and respect for all people from all walks of life, including those different from one’s own. She was very spiritual, and made it clear that she was firm in her belief that this physical life is not all there is and that we are all here to love and help each other. Many of her loved ones share that belief and we know that she is there for us still, with love from beyond.

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