Shirley

Sahli (Merrill) Mrvos ’51 passed at the age of ninety-one on Sunday, December 1, 2024. She grew up with her brother on a hops ranch in Washington and loved horses and taught herself to ride at a young age. To stave off boredom, she would sometimes race freight trains bareback, much to the dismay of her nursemaid, who was unable to keep up by bicycle.

 

Sahli graduated from the Helen Bush School in 1951 and later attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, for two years. She graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.A. in English literature in 1955.

 

She later returned to California and worked in the trust department of Security First National Bank in La Jolla. In 1957 she met the love of her life and future husband, Don Mrvos.

 

Warm and welcoming, Sahli was a devoted wife and mother and a friend to many. She was known for her quick wit, generosity, and fun-loving nature. She was also strong and unwavering in her principles. Her life’s work revolved around ensuring the health and happiness of her family above all else. She created many treasured family traditions and wonderful memories. Sahli leaves a huge void and will be greatly missed by her family, especially her daughters, who will always cherish her classic style; irreverent sense of humor; and blunt, straight-talking nature.