Virginia Munoz Scott

Virginia Muñoz Scott, a member of the Rincon band of Luiseño Indians, was born in Logan Heights, California October 17th of 1936 to Mr. Charles Henry Muñoz and Mrs. Leonisca Grace Calac Muñoz. Her Native American roots run deep with her Grandfather Jose’ Maria Calac as a member of the Rincon tribe and with her Grandmother, Clemencia Rodriguez Calac being from the La Joya Reservation. Her love for the Native people and culture was undeniable, but even more apparent was her love for her family and those around her, even at a young age. Grandma’s mother, a loving home-maker from Rincon, and her father, a hard-working butcher from Arizona, worked together to raise both her and her sister, Grace Lena Powell, until the early passing of her father at the young age of 13. Although her time with him was cut short, she carried with her many cherished memories of him and the great childhood that he made possible for her, and in the future, went on to share these precious memories with her own children and grandchildren.

In the year of 1961, a new man by the name of Herbert Patrick Scott would win her heart and take her hand in marriage in the month of February allowing them to then lead a life full of love and companionship as they raised a family of seven together. Throughout her life, grandma wore many hats, but no matter what field she was working in, there always seemed to be a common theme: taking care of others. At the young age of 16, she spent a year in the convent as a nun dedicating herself to God as well as those less fortunate. In future years, she would then go on to serve as both a nurse’s aide and as an educator, teaching children with special needs, but although she played many important roles to many people, the most important role to her by far was being a mother before anything else. She loved her seven children fiercely, always provided, always forgave, and always made sure that they had someone to turn to in times of need, and as the years passed, she did the same for her 30 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren.

Not only was she Grandpa’s special angel, but to so many here, she was such a blessing. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face with her lighthearted jokes and dancing, she impacted the lives of many with her endless generosity, and she spread so much love with her kind words and playful hugs and kisses. The difference she made in this world had no boundaries or limits as she even sought to make an impact in the lives of those she didn’t even know. Just a few of the countless stories that demonstrate this were the many organizations and native missions she donated to, the generous tips she gave, the numerous hugs and kisses she sporadically gave to strangers, and the day that she rode by a large group of the homeless, took out enough money to buy them all food, and then circled back around to give them even more money. Needless to say, she absolutely loved making others feel special and loved, she was great at it, and it is one of the many ways that she left her mark on this world.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Grandma also loved her cousins to no end as they were a big part of her life. The joy she received from talking with them on the phone and from telling stories about their adventures and experiences in the past were easily portrayed in the way that she would light up when speaking about them, and it was always a pleasure to hear her numerous stories. Along with story-telling and talking about her family, she also truly enjoyed telling people about her Native heritage, reading the morning newspaper, listening to music, dancing, taking car rides, making others laugh, and she was second to none in the amount of cute clothes, socks, lotions and perfumes that she owned as she loved being clean, smelling good, and collecting cute trinkets. Last, but certainly not least, she also loved her dogs Hippie, Picasso, Simon, Spencer, and Daisy with all her heart, and was in the company of her faithful sidekick Daisy until her final moments.

The years that ensued after the passing of her beloved husband Scotty in 2018 were difficult at times given that her love for him was stronger than any, but nonetheless, Grandma remained strong, just as she had always been. No matter what, she was always strong-minded, intellectually sharp, and in control. Throughout her life, she had endured so much, and although the man that was always there for her to lean on had now passed, she honed in on her own strength and continued to push forward, taking each moment day by day. For the remaining two years of her life, she traveled back and forth spending time with family in both California and North Carolina, but always felt a strong pull back to her home in San Diego where she eventually returned and passed in the company of her loved ones.

Although she has now passed on to another life in heaven let us not forget all that she was and stood for: A humble but strong woman who was the center of our family. A woman who focused on the positive in life, chose to see the good in people, and always aimed to seek out the beauty and enjoyment, even in the smallest of things. She loved deeply and without hesitation, and in honor of her memory would want us to be strong and do the same as we strive to love each other just as fearlessly and fully as she has loved us. As she is dancing in heaven, let us not forget to rejoice in her rejoining with the heavenly father and with her husband and loved ones, and as Grandma once danced for all those that went to heaven when she was still with us, let us too dance for her as we celebrate this wonderful woman who was nothing short of extraordinary.

We love you so much Grandma.