Shaylene Kalebjian Dunne, passed away on December 24, 2015, which was also her 65th birthday. She has been residing in Lodi, CA for the past 10 years.
   Shaylene was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas to parents Richard Kalebjian and the late Lois Nadeene Conlee. She has three siblings Kevin Kalebjian, the late Vivian Kalebjian, and half-sister Mary Cook.
   Shaylene attended Manteca High School from 1964-1968 where she was known for writing amazing adventure stories and sharing them with her friends.  She was also the driving force behind the most recent Manteca High multi-class reunion in 2008.
   After high school, Shaylene worked as a dispatcher for the Tracy Police Department. She then received a job offer in Montana and worked as a police officer before returning to California.  Following the birth of her only child, Shaylene decided law enforcement was no longer a good career fit. She became employed by Pacific Bell (now AT&T), where she retired after more than 20 years. After several years of retirement, Shaylene was eager to go back to work. She worked for the Lodi Unified School District as a clerk typist, which was a perfect fit for her youthful spirit. Shaylene loved working with children and adored spoiling her great-nieces and great-nephews.
    Shaylene was a dedicated member of Big Valley Bible Church, in Lodi. She enjoyed family gatherings, lunching with her many friends, crafting, Mexican food, traveling, camping, and spending time with her daughter. She will forever be remembered as a caring and godly woman, a fiercely devoted mother, and a genuine friend. Her smile was infectious.
   She is survived by her father Richard Kalebjian, stepmother Judy Kalebjian, daughter Dr. Amber Dunne, brother Kevin Kalebjian, sister-in-law Stacy Kalebjian, half-sister Mary Cook, nephews Eric and Ryan Matthews, Matthew Cook, nieces Gina Mathews, Kara Philippi, Katie Hutcherson, and Kori-Beth Browning, and her precious chihuahua Bailey.
   Shaylene’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2, at 10 a.m. at Big Valley Bible Church, in Lodi, CA (226 Poplar Street).
   Our family would like to extend a tremendous thank you to the Hospice of San Joaquin for their amazing efforts to ensure the quality care, comfort, and dignity of our beloved  Shaylene, as well as their concern for the health and well-being of our family members. 
   “For to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Lodi
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, December 31, 2015