Gretta Meltzer Upp

Gretta Meltzer Upp, native San Diegan, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, and friend, died peacefully on October 7. She was 96.

Born and raised in San Diego, Gretta graduated from Hoover High School. Her goal was to be a teacher, so she got her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from UCLA in 1950. She also got a master’s degree from Pepperdine University.

Gretta loved teaching and taught kindergarten for San Diego City School district her entire career. Starting in 1952, she taught at many San Diego elementary schools but was at Ocean Beach Elementary the longest – almost 25 years, teaching many generations of children. She retired from teaching in 1994.

Reading and education were her passion. She continued to read to children after her retirement through the Rolling Readers program. She loved reading to her grandkids and we all cherish the books we got as gifts with the inscription "Love from Grandma Gretta". 

Gretta moved to Point Loma in 1952 and lived in her cherished house overlooking the OB Pier and the Pacific Ocean her from then on. She was an active member of several clubs including the Thursday Club and PEO.

Gretta is survived by her three children: Susan Olson (Ernie Zuniga), Melissa Roulette (Ryan), Steve Upp (Kerry), her 6 grandchildren:James Olson (Crystal), Steven Olson, Robert Roulette, Julie Perlee (Dane), Erik Upp (Michaela), Megan Upp Hejja (Rueben), her 7 great grandchildren: Rachel, Lily, Muira, Loula, Marlin, Audie, Ainsley, and countless friends. Her warmth, humor, gift of gab, and passion for holiday decorating will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be planned for later this year. Our sincerest thanks go to the caring staff at La Jolla Casa Pacifica Assisted Living and the amazing people at Lightbridge Hospice for helping Gretta the last few months of her life.