Melanie Griarte Nable

Agnes Melanie Griarte Nable was born on August 22, 1946 in San Fernando La Union, Philippines to parents Gilcerio Griarte and Fraternidad Flores Griarte. She was the second of six children namely: Gil Anthony, Mary Jocelyn, Henriette Celeste (Tita), Michael Andre and Deborah Anne (Debbie). Serendipity would have it that she would be born on her mother’s birthday and so it was usually a special double celebration on their birthday.

After some time, the family moved to Makati to be closer to her father’s family. She was a sweet and shy girl growing up, always reading books or crocheting and embroidering instead of playing outdoors with other kids. She and Jocelyn bonded as sisters since they were close in age and shared interests. Both of them were smart and excelled academically in school. They were consistent honor students and leaders in their own right. They enjoyed attending parties and dances with Anthony as normal teenagers did during their younger days.

She studied at Makati Catholic School then later attended Union High School of Manila where she was selected as “The Most Ideal Girl,” and School Judge in their school judicial court and went on to receive her diploma in 1962 with honors. She spent her college years at the University of the Philippines where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. After college she worked at companies like Richardson-Merrell (Vicks Vapor Rub firm), and other well established pharmaceutical companies.

At this time, she attended Bethany Baptist Church Makati, Philippines where she met Dan Nable. They were both very active members of the church and led many friends and family to the lord. They fell in love and married on January 27, 1975. Subsequently, they decided to move to the United States of America specifically in California. Here they settled with two boys: Jason Nable (Wife: Gwen, Kids: Marcus & Nia) and Timothy Nable (Wife: Kim, Kids: Nevin & Jalen). They enjoyed the company of their close family, visiting many places and vacationing together in Hawaii. The many holidays and Christmases were very special to her, sharing happy memories with her family and loved ones. They attended The Church on Melrose under the leadership of their dear friend Pastor Damon Woods up to the present. Melanie and Dan were also active members of the Southern California Mapua Alumni (SCMA) and Oriental Mindoro Association of Southern California (OMASC) where they supported charitable and medical missions in the Philippines.

Melanie also spent a good portion of her professional years in the United States serving as Director of Quality Control at Vons Grocery Company and Smart & Final Grocery Company where she shared the company of her sister Tita. While at Smart & Final, she showcased her humor by winning several Halloween costume contests.

Melanie will always be remembered for her kindness, compassion and generous heart. She will never turn down her relatives and friends who needed her help. She was a rare gem, a loving person yet firm and understanding to those who came to her for advice. Life was good and fulfilling until her cancer came back in 2020 which she fought so bravely and fearlessly with faith in God. God blessed Melanie with nearly 80 wonderful years filled with joy, laughter, tears and unforgetting memories. We praise the Lord for her unequaled example. We will miss her very much.