Alienne Whitener, a mathematics teacher who lived with her husband in Pacific Palisades for more than 50 years, died March 9. She was 87. Alienne was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 6, 1920 to Marble and Lige Akers. While attending high school in Duncan, Oklahoma, she met her husband, Jack Whitener. He was the lab assistant in her chemistry class who helped her earn a good grade. After high school, Alienne and Jack attended the University of Oklahoma. She received her undergraduate degree in mathematics and English and Jack earned his degree in engineering physics. During World War II, Jack served in the Army Air Corps. The couple married on September 5, 1942 and spent the war years in Florida at Eglin Army Air Corps Proving Ground, where Jack was a test pilot. When the war ended, the military sent Jack to the University of Michigan, where he received a master’s degree in physics and Alienne earned her master’s degree in mathematics. After graduation, they lived in various locations for Jack’s work in the service, and they had three children: Theresa, Michael and Paul. In 1957, Jack was assigned as a liaison officer to The Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, so the family moved to Pacific Palisades. Alienne taught math at Valley College, Los Angeles Southwest College and Mount St. Mary’s College. She also gave generously of her time and effort to the American Association of University Women, Santa Monica Branch, and helped found the Local Scholarship Fund. She and Jack often hiked Temescal Canyon to the waterfall bridge, backpacked through Yosemite and traveled in their camper to Alaska, Canada and Utah. Alienne enjoyed art, classical music concerts, architecture and playing bridge. In addition, she loved to spend time with her dogs. Her family and friends will miss her smile and wonderful sense of humor. She is survived by her husband of 65 years and two children, Theresa and Michael. Her son Paul preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held in Temescal Gateway Park. Please call (415) 282-3343 for date and time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AAUW-SMBAB Local Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 152, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
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