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Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of Loris Pepperdine


Loris Gail PepperdineLoris Gail Pepperdine, daughter-in-law of University founder George Pepperdine and widow of George Pepperdine II (’58), passed away on October 1, 2020. She was 80.

Born Loris Phelps on November 7, 1939, Pepperdine moved from Kansas to Southern California during World War II. As a young woman, Pepperdine found herself to be a natural leader, and she was keenly devoted to service, participating in Camp Fire Girls of America and Job’s Daughters. 

She also loved the outdoors, and during her 39-year marriage to George Pepperdine II, the son of George Pepperdine, the couple’s shared passion for the outdoors brought them great happiness. The two were known in later years to stroll together, hand in hand, every evening.

A talented artist and craftsperson, Pepperdine’s love for needlework led to her long career as owner and manager of Mari Pat’s Needlework Shop in Long Beach, California. 

Pepperdine is survived by her children, George Pepperdine III, Leigh Ayn Pepperdine, Nancy Pepperdine Batanides (’92, MA ’93) and Mariellen Pepperdine Ostwald (’00, MA ’01); and 11 grandchildren, including two Seaver College graduates and two current students at Seaver. She is preceded in death by her husband, George, and her daughter, Laura. 

The family requests that gifts be made in Pepperdine’s memory to Seaver College or sent to The Pepperdine Fund at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263-4579.