In Loving Memory of Myrna Irigon

Mountain View, California — Myrna Irigon, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully at her home in Mountain View on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 74. She faced a courageous 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer with the same grace and strength that defined her life.

Myrna’s journey began on April 16, 1952, in Leavenworth, Kansas, where her father was stationed with the armed services. Born to Mario and Bella Irigon, she grew up in a vibrant military family, eventually settling in Washington State. Myrna graduated from Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, with the Class of 1970, and went on to attend Western Washington State University in Bellingham.

A wonderful new chapter opened when her sister, Yolanda, urged Myrna to move down to Menlo Park, California, to join her and her husband, Michael Heathman. It was a move that would beautifully shape the rest of her life. Shortly after arriving in the Bay Area, Myrna answered a classified ad in the Stanford Daily placed by Charlie Black, who was looking for a tennis partner. What began as a match on the courts quickly blossomed into a profound, lifelong love. Charlie didn't just find a tennis partner; he found his true soulmate and life partner. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage and were blessed with their beloved son, Bryan Black. Myrna cherished Charlie and Bryan, referring to them often as “my two favorite guys”. Myrna also had a circle of women friends. It was also through tennis that Myrna formed a lasting friendship with five women, “the Wahines“, as they called themselves.

Myrna was a woman of many passions, but music held a special place in her heart. During her time at Stanford University, she shared her striking voice as a singer in “Still Kickin”, a band made up of friends and colleagues who loved music and performing together. Stanford wasn't just a place for music and love; it was also the cornerstone of her professional life. Myrna dedicated 37 exceptional years to Stanford University, where she excelled as a specialist in HR disability and workers' compensation, helping countless colleagues navigate difficult times with compassion and expertise.

After retiring from Stanford, her passion for her work led her to Hillspire HR in 2017. As the fourth employee hired on the growing HR team, she brought invaluable experience to her role as a project specialist. She was beloved there for her “joyful presence” and her willingness to take the Mic as the MC at special events, where her vibrant singing and irreverent sense of humor were on full display.

Throughout her life, Myrna’s generous spirit never wavered. She was deeply invested in her local community, regularly volunteering her time and energy to both the Mountain View Senior Center and the local Tennis Center, combining her love for the sport with her desire to give back.

Myrna’s legacy of love, dedication, and joy will live on through her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Charlie Black; her son, Bryan Black; her remarkable 104-year-old mother, Bella Irigon; and her 103-year-old mother-in-law, Dorothy Black. She is also survived by her sisters, Yolanda Irigon (Michael Heathman) and Julie Graham; her brother, Robert Irigon; and her sister-in-law, Marcia Black, along with a close-knit circle of extended family, colleagues, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Mario Irigon.

Service Information:

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. Please contact Yolanda Irigon at yolandai@mac.com to receive details. In honor of her spirit of giving, donations can be made to one Myrna’s chosen charities:

Human Rights Watch. (https://donate.hrw.org/page/188595/donate/1? ea.tracking.id=ED2026SCscglbrd1)

or to:

Hawaii People’s Fund (https://hawaiipeoplesfund.org. )