A Great Loss in Montrose

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Winston Churchill

This could be easily said about Myrna Grijalva of Joselito’s who sadly passed away on Aug. 7. Myrna not only created a thriving business in Montrose that is 30 years strong, but she also gave endless amounts of her personal time to make Montrose what it is today.

“I knew Myrna for quite a long time and I remember her as someone who was committed to making Montrose a better place for the community,” said Jim Bates, past president of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.

“I remember working with Myrna and Frank Roberts on the Founders Day ceremony back in the early ’80s when the Vons Shopping Center was just getting constructed. Myrna and Joselito’s cooked a fantastic meal for the day that really added to the festivities,” said Joe Kroening, past MVCC president, of Andy’s Transfer and Storage.

“I worked with her on the MSPA board for about 10 years. She was a tough business lady but one who also had a big heart for her community and family. At her memorial service, all three of her children had so many wonderful things to say about their mother’s generosity and love for them and that really speaks louder than words,” said Ken Grayson of Grayson’s Tune Town, past president of MVCC and the Montrose Shopping Park Association.

“Myrna was one of the greats in Montrose. She is up there with Frank Roberts and Ken Grayson in terms of her time, love and energy that she invested in the success of the Montrose business community. I remember her very clearly at the Christmas parade meetings. She was feisty, energetic and passionate. She wore it on her sleeve and she was not afraid to tell you if she disagreed with you. I sat in on a whole year’s worth of MSPA meetings during my term with the MVCC chamber and I admired her ability to listen to other opinions even if she didn’t implement their idea. Myrna was always ready to lend a hand, always gave me a smile and, every once in a while, the ‘Myrna look.’ She will be sorely missed,” said Chris Waldheim of J’s Maintenance, past president of the MVCC.

For a statement from the family, read Myrna Grijalva’s obituary in this week’s paper.

Here is a small list of some the recognitions and positions Myrna received and held here in Montrose: 1986 Business Person of the Year by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce; 1992-1993 Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce president; 1997 winner of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce Frank Roberts Award, which symbolizes the historic tradition of the Roberts Family, whose patronage and support of the Montrose-Verdugo City area has resulted in the highest expression of community involvement; 2003-2006 president of the Montrose Christmas Parade; member of the Dreaming of Roses Association and co-chairperson of the Glendale-Montrose Christmas Parade for 10 years; 2015 recipient of the Montrose Shopping Park Association Montrose Heritage Award for her many contributions to city of Montrose, including her work with the MSPA and her work with her family’s restaurant, Joselito’s; member of the board of directors of the Montrose Shopping Park Association for six years.

Montrose is alive because of people like Myrna. We will proudly add her to the list of those who have made Montrose what it is today: Frank Roberts, Don Carpenter, Bill Dodson and Vito Cannella among others.

Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: Your source for all things local! Our mission is to actively support and enrich the community, vitality and pride of Montrose, to help preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere, to promote economic stability and positive, productive relationships within Montrose and the surrounding communities.
Upcoming events
40th Anniversary Oktoberfest mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SIG Property Management, 2937 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose.
40th Anniversary Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 7 from noon to 11 p.m. in the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue. Admission is free!

  melinda clarke