Myrna Arevalo English

Myrna’s Story

Myrna went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2022 at age 82.  She was born in the Philippines to Felino Sr and Esperanza Arevalo in December 13, 1939.  Myrna was one of eight children and the oldest daughter. 

Myrna was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  At the age of 20, she married James English, Sr. who was a widower with five children.  Myrna had one son.  In the late 1960’s, Myrna and the children came to Northern California to join James.  Myrna got quickly involved in her passion for business in order to help her family financially.  She had such a big heart and had always gone the extra miles to facilitate her goals in petitioning her siblings and mother to come to the United States.  Myrna was the reason they are all here.  In the early 1990's, Myrna started a janitorial business which she named 'Myrna's Cleaning Services'. She would pick up her brother Noli in the morning and they would clean office spaces, apartment complex and residential homes. Myrna did this until Noli was able to secure a more permanent job.

Myrna always worked hard and never quit on what she started.  She later found happiness in giving care to people who needed help taking care of themselves.  Myrna’s love for care-giving expanded her business career.  Her achievements included opening up another business named ‘Myrna’s Home Care’. This is where the lives of Myrna and Grayling Mitchell, known as Mitch, crossed.  They met in July 2001 while visiting his mom at the assisted living home across the street from Myrna’s Home Care.  They started talking and became acquainted with each other. After inspecting Myrna’s place of business, they agreed to transfer Mitch’s mom into Myrna’s care. As a result, Myrna and Mitch became partners in life and had been together ever since. 

Myrna was an excellent caregiver and worked diligently until the end.  Myrna’s dedication was extremely appreciated as evidenced by the many commendations she received from the families of her patients. Myrna was their guiding light during some dark days; she provided them words of encouragement and frequent conversations; she allowed and provided Bible study programs and Christian music on the radio. Myrna’s patients were always clean, wore fresh clothes, hair cleaned and combed; even had their finger nails polished; and best of all, foods were prepared according to their nutritional needs. These were just a few of many, many testimonials from families who were extremely satisfied with her services and the loving attention their love ones received from her.

All of these achievements were just some of the many attributes that defined how special Myrna was.  She was thoughtful, generous and beautiful inside and out.  Her door was always open to all.  Myrna was like a second mom to many. She was understanding and always had great stories and advice. Myrna would always remember her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on special occasions such as birthdays and/or Christmas.  She had such a loving heart that she would even give her last dollar to help or make someone happy. This got her into trouble at times when she would realize that she actually needed that last dollar later.  Unfortunately, there were also others who took advantage of her Kindness and generosity.

Myrna had other distinctive qualities that inspired most of us even in the smallest ways.  For those who knew her, she was a detail oriented person which she passed on to her children. Myrna was very good in decorating and organizing things. She kept everything she laid her eyes on, neat and tidy.  Myrna showed us how to take care and make things look better.  She would even go out of her way rearranging plants, furniture and decorations in accordance with her artistic points of view each time she visited her children's homes.   Myrna was fun to be around; someone who brightened the lives of all those around her.  She taught us all what is really important in life - to love, support and care for family and friends.  Myrna supported her family and children’s endeavors.  She was highly proud of all their achievements and success in life.

Myrna is survived by her partner Grayling Mitchell; 4 stepchildren and their spouses: Dorothy and Jay Ranjo, Katherine and Danny Nuqui II, Annie Tadena, James English Jr and Pamela; 8 grandchildren and their spouses: Daniel III and Jenn Nuqui, Kenny, Ray and Chelsea Tadena, Angelina and Larry Nelson, Anthony and Ciara English, Jordan, Mikayla and Christian Guzman and Kiana;12 great-grandchildren: Brianne, Abby, Anna, Sydney, Selah, Sami, Lakai, Koa, Arrow, Journey, Jovie, and Nalani; and 3 great-great-grandchildren: Kyler, Karter and Kooper; 3 sisters: Lily Grimarez, Sonia Sayson and Bella de Guzman; 3 brothers: Noli, Felino Jr and Levi Arevalo; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Myrna is predeceased by her late husband James English Sr; son Jonathan English; stepdaughter Victoria Huddleston; grandson Edward English Garcia; her parents and half-brother Dante.

Myrna has left the legacy of her love and perseverance. The ways she touched our lives will remain.  Myrna will always be remembered for her love of family, her thoughtfulness, compassion and her generosity.  Her legacy will always live on in all of us and in our hearts.

Rest well on your journey Myrna. You will be greatly missed.

Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."