BeJae Mallory Blake

BeJae Mallory Blake December 10, 2023 Artist, Designer, Adventurer, Educator, and Entrepreneur BeJae died at the age of 89 in hospice care at her home in San Luis Obispo. She was surrounded by love and was at peace. BeJae had a wonderful team of nurses, caregivers, and family who helped her remain at home, which was so meaningful to her during this last chapter of life. After braving many Chicago winters during grade school and high school, BeJae was thrilled to enroll at the University of Miami in the sunny state of Florida.There she learned to water ski on the UofM ski team, which led to a summer job then full-time work for five years as a professional water skier at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. BeJae was fearless and graceful in her ski performances. A highlight at the Gardens was meeting many celebrities and skiing as Esther William’s double for a film shot there. BeJae married Frank Arnall and they had two children, Mallory Arnall von Kugelgen and Blake Arnall. BeJae went on to follow her passion for art and was a successful print maker for many years. She completed her bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in graphic design at the University of North Florida. She worked as an art director in Jacksonville, Florida, until moving to San Luis Obispo. BeJae worked as a graphic designer for the Five Cities Times Press Recorder and then with the San Luis Obispo Tribune. After enrolling as a student at Cuesta College, BeJae worked as the graphic designer for the school newspaper, the Cuestonian. Until age 79, she mentored the journalism students and photographers who provided the paper’s content, while she handled ad sales and layout. Working with young people as an educator was a great joy in her life. BeJae met her partner, David Bates, a fellow artist, dancer, and gourmet chef, and they traveled the world together with a hot plate and a plan throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, and Asia. One stand-out adventure was sailing on a small ship through the Tahitian islands where BeJae discovered she could still pop up on skis. BeJae loved spending time with friends and was involved in many volunteer organizations. She served on the board of her homeowner’s association and was a long-time volunteer usher at the Performing Arts Center at CalPoly. She organized art exhibits, produced the newsletter, and served on the board of the SLO Museum of Art. She loved her time with the SLO Photo Society, and she helped organize meetings of the Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast. BeJae adored her family. She loved spending time with her sons-in-law Evan and Jose Luis, her granddaughters Taylor and Simone, and her nieces, Debi and Linda and their families. She made us laugh and was often the inspiration for mischief. Should friends desire, please consider a contribution to the "BeJae Mallory Blake Endowment" at Cuesta College, which provides scholarships to women returning to college. Make a gift online at cuesta.edu/give/ (In the Designation drop-down, select “Bejae Mallory Blake Endowment”). A Celebration of Life will be organized in 2024.

BeJae Mallory Blake

January 13, 1934 - December 10, 2023