Frieda K. Molina, 97

Think of Frieda Molina, whose place in Lemon Grove history is being remembered with strength and kindness, and you might also think of Rosie the Riveter, the iconic working woman of World War II who earned a place in American history—and hearts.

It's an easy connection to make. In her youth, Mrs. Molina, who passed away March 27 at the age of 97, was a real-life Rosie, working as a riveter for Consolidated Aircraft Corp. in San Diego. Later, she owned and operated several assisted-living facilities—rest homes, as they were known.

“She was a very astute businesswoman,” recalls her close friend Lillian Collette, of Lemon Grove.

Mrs. Molina, who was born Sept. 28, 1913, in North Dakota, was a longtime member of the Lemon Grove Historical Society and described as an anchor of local history by Helen Ofield, historical society president. 

Since 1960, with her late husband, Manuel, Mrs. Molina owned the 1892 Troxell House on Olive Street, the third home to be built in Lemon Grove. Mrs. Molina had an extensive collection of antiques that filled the house, which was featured on the society's Historic Homes Tour just a few years ago.

“She loved antiques,” Collette says.

She also had a love for plants and flowers, growing orchids and African violets, and belonged to a number of flower societies. And, according to Ofield, Mrs. Molina was a staunch caretaker of the century-old Moreton Bay fig trees growing in the front yard of the Troxell House.

Mrs. Molina is also being remembered for having a kind and giving spirit.

“She was very poor as a child, and remembered those days,” Collette says. “She would help anyone who needed help. She was very gracious and generous.”

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, at the . A private burial took place in Glen Abbey Memorial Park.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlene Tappy, of Lemon Grove; and a sister, who lives in Montana.