Arlene Theresa Metha

Dr. Arlene Metha passed away in Chandler, Arizona on February 25, 2024 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Arlene Metha was born in Chicago, IL on August 17, 1939 to John and Bernice Przanowski. After graduation from Maria High School she moved to Phoenix Arizona, where she enrolled at Arizona State University. At ASU Arlene was active in student life and was a member of Phi Delta Phi, Kappa Delta Pi, Mortar Board and a number of other honoraries. Following graduation from ASU in 1963 Arlene received a scholarship from The Ohio State University where she graduated in 1964 with a Masters degree in counseling. That same year she married Ron Metha and moved to California and became a counselor at Chapman College and served as dean of women for Chapman‘s World Campus Afloat. In 1972 she received a PhD in counseling from the University of Southern California. That same year she and Ron returned to Phoenix and Arlene joined the faculty at Arizona State University.

Dr. Metha was a very prominent member of the faculty at ASU, was a co-founder of the women’s studies program, chaired the Board of Equal Opportunity, received the ASU Affirmative Action Award, and in 1989 was elected President of the Faculty, one of the first women to serve in that role. At homecoming 1991 Arlene received the James W Creaseman Award of Excellence presented by the ASU alumni association for her “extraordinary achievement, effort, and service to the students and alumni of Arizona State University.” Dr. Metha was active in the field of adolescent suicide prevention and researched and published widely in the field. She retired from ASU in 1997 and opened a part-time practice as a psychologist.

Dr. Metha was a lifetime supporter of the arts and music in the valley. In addition she was a worldwide traveler and visited six of the seven continents.

Dr. Metha is survived by her companion Dr. Dean Webb, former husband Rt. Rev. Msgr. Ronald Metha, special friends Jerry and Ginny Shugars, Roberta Crane, Lynda, David (Kelly), Jason Dupree, Robbie and Hugo Tapia and the numerous students and colleagues whose live she touched.

In an interview Arlene did with the ASU faculty retirees association, not long after her diagnosis she said that she got more than she gave that certainly was not the case. She also said she wanted to be remembered as a gentle, caring person, and without doubt she will be.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dr. Metha‘s memory to the Hospice of the Valley or the American Alzheimer’s Association. A funeral mass will be held February 29 at 10 am at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Mesa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced.