Mary T. Grijalva

On July 3, our Heavenly Father opened His gates and called home Mary (Nena) T. Grijalva, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, Nana, and sister. She passed peacefully in her grandchildren’s, Erika and Rene home in Mesa, Arizona, lovingly surrounded by her family. Mary was born in Clint, Texas, on May 16, 1931, to Alfredo and Josefa Trevizo. She laid the nurturing foundation for her family, because family was important to Mary; she loved having the whole family together for holidays and special occasions. During these times the kitchen became the center of her custom-built home, where her family would gather in anticipation of her tasty handmade tortillas and cooking. Everyone that entered her home was touched by her loving, caring, and sweet spirit. Mary was proud to serve her family in this capacity. She was the family’s source of wisdom, inner strength and love. Everyone she touched was inspired to be the best they could be. She showed her family the importance of education by mentoring them in every aspect of life including business, personal relationships and a healthy lifestyle. Mary will always be remembered for her great sense of humor and willingness to listen to others. She effortlessly identified and encouraged everyone’s individual strengths, treating everyone with respect and love. She was well-read and shared her love of reading with all of her children. Friends and family fondly recall that she always had a book in her hand. She was open-minded and knowledgeable in a variety of topics but never made others feel inferior with her knowledge. Friends remember Mary as being a sophisticated lady who had impeccable taste in cloths, restaurants, and hotels. She will also be remembered for all of her accomplishments: real estate agent and developer, bookkeeper, tax preparer, and an incredible entrepreneur. Mary was very knowledgeable in business and took charge of the financial and legal aspects of the family business. Her devotion to the community was evident by her long term involvement with the Catholic Daughters of America. She was part of this organization for a large portion of her life and displayed her leadership by serving as treasurer for the organization for a number of years. Mary is survived by her loving husband Pedro G. Grijalva of 57 years, her daughters Virginia and Eva, sons Pete, David and Victor, sister Emma Montes, brothers Tomas, Savino and Gil Trevizo, her five granddaughters Erika, Diana, Stacey, Sabrina, Victoria, and her grandson Rene. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 8 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home-Americas, 9521 North Loop Drive with vigil services at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 9 at San Antonio Catholic Church. Mom, we love you and will miss you forever! You were a shining star who left a wonderful legacy of how to live life to its fullest with love, care, and dignity. Please visit online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net. The family asks that contributions be made in Mary’s memory to the Catholic Daughters of America-Court of our Blessed Mother # 1731- for the Benefit of Unwed Mothers.