Wednesday, January 26, 2011

San Manuel Elder Pauline Murrillo Passes; California's Indian Country Loses A Great One

Sad news from the San Manuel Indian Reservation and for all of California Indian Country:
Pauline "Dimples" Murillo, an elder of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, died Friday. She was 76.

Born on the San Manuel Reservation in 1934 with both Cahuilla and Serrano heritage, Murillo grew up learning tribal history, culture and language that she would later share outside of her community.

Murillo, who was married to her husband, George, for 58 years, was the mother of three, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 19.

"Nothing meant as much to her as her family - keeping everyone together and being together for the holidays," said daughter Lynn Valbuena of Orange. "We always tried to be there for her."

She was caring and generous, always wanting to help people, Valbuena said. Murillo and her husband have been known for their philanthropy, donating time and funds to hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations in the the region.

In 2009, the Murillos donated $800,000 to Cal State San Bernardino to build an observatory that bears the family name. In 2008, the family's contribution to Loma Linda University Medical Center enabled the hospital to expand its lounge for oncology patients and their families.

A funeral service is set for 10 a.m. Friday on the San Manuel Reservation. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday on the reservation, with visitation from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday at Mountain View Chapel,  570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Condolences to the family of Mrs. Murillo, a treasure to the San Manuel people.

I didn't see this news on Victor Rocha's site. He must be more concerned with nicknames.

White Buffalo said...

My Condolences to the family as well, it is a sad time when the elders of a community leave for the spirit world, for it is they who are the soul of a tribe. San Manuel is a generous tribe. I personally have been blessed by them with the scholarship they have given me so that I could attend Cal State University San Bernardino.

Forgive me San Manuel readers, but I must mention the sorrow in my heart for you loss and how it mixes with the shame I have for my grandfather’s first cousin from Pechanga. Francis Miranda. You and the rest of the family still enrolled could learn something from the people of San Manuel. I will bet she passed with peace in her heart and a sprit as white as a dove. I shudder to think what yours and those others like you who have caused so much pain by your heartless actions, and all for what, a coup[le of dollars and power, When it comes your time Aunt Francis M. who will be there waiting to guide you to the other side. What you and the others have done to the family is wrong but I do forgive you.

It Just saddens me that I know you will never change and that you will never admit publicly that our disenrollment was a mistake and that those of you who conspired against use were wrong.

Anonymous said...

The Tosabal Clan Sends sympathy and prayers for Murrillo Famly in this time of sorrow. Elders are a great Treasure as we all know

creeper said...

Rest in peace Pauline Murillo
you had the soul of an Angel.
You ancestors will receive you with open arms, your tribe must be proud of you.

Anonymous said...

The articles are saying that Paulin Murillo donated $3 MILLION DOLLARS to charity. That's more than the Pechanga tribe has given isn't it?

Makes those $10,000 donations look kinda.....puny.