- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1930
- Date Of Death: July 27, 2020
- State: Idaho
Maria Carmen Madarieta Bidaburu, 90, of Boise, Idaho passed away July 27, 2020, peacefully in her sleep with her loving family at her side. She lived a long, fulfilling life and was blessed with many family and friends.
Carmen was born on July 14, 1930, in Ispaster, Viscaya, Spain to Marcial Madarieta and Ramona Aboitiz Madarieta. She grew up on the family baserri (farmhouse) named “Barrenengoa” in Euskadi (The Basque Country) and she spoke fondly of her childhood memories. She was the second oldest of twelve children and had six brothers and five sisters, she was the oldest girl in the family.
During the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, the Basque region of Spain was governed by the dictator, Francisco Franco, who was adversarial toward the Basques. Carmen often told stories about the war when her mother gave food to people that were less fortunate, especially people that lived in the towns that had no access to pastures, vegetable gardens, or fruit orchards all of which were in abundance at Barrenengoa.
Carmen often recalled the joy she had growing up in a loving home with her large family. Some of her fondest memories were going to the nearby villages, usually walking with friends, to festivals and dances to places like Lequeitio, Ereno, Gernika, Bedarona, Gavica, Mundaka, Bermeo. She especially liked the impromptu dances with friends at the nearby farmhouses that were lucky enough to have music, usually by radio, near Ispaster.
For the next 25 years, Carmen and Vicente flourished in Burns working two jobs each and providing a loving home for their two children. Carmen was employed by the Henry Slater Elementary School as a cook and the Harney County Court House as a custodian. In 1989, Carmen and Vicente finally enjoyed the beginning of a well-deserved and long retirement together. After a brief residence in Ontario, they decided to move to Boise where they were closer to family, friends, and activities they thoroughly enjoyed. Carmen loved socializing with friends at the Basque Center, taking in the monthly family-style meals, the Briska Tournaments (Basque cards), Oinkari Basque Dancers, San Inazio Festival on the Basque Block and much more. Carmen and Vicente’s competitive spirit as partners earned them two Briska Tournament Championships. Carmen was instilled with a strong sense of Basque patriotism from a very young age. She was always the first to proclaim- “Gora Euskadi!” (Up with the Basque Country!).
Over the years, Carmen and Vicente made numerous trips to the Basque Country and stayed connected with family there. She was very fond of and cherished all her siblings, both in the U.S. and Euskadi. We will never forget the first trip we took as a family in the summer of 1975 we stayed for an entire month and created a bond with our numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins that continue to this day. Thank you, Ama (mom) eta Aitxe (dad). That was important because we have more family in Euskadi than we do in the U.S.
Carmen is often remembered for her grace, kindness, and selflessness. She dearly loved all six of her grandchildren and devoted herself to their happiness. She has been a cherished part of our life and will be dearly missed and forever remembered. Carmen’s passing coincides with the annual San Inazio celebrations in Boise.
Carmen is preceded in death by her husband Vicente, parents Ramona and Marcial Madarieta, brothers: Frederico, Paulino, Miguel, Antonio, Jacinto, and sisters: Victoria, and Begonia. Carmen is survived by her two loving children Aitor (Debbie) and Ana (Jess), six grandchildren Nicolas, Joseba, Mikel, Matea, Isabela, Cristina, and her brother Ramon(Colleen) and three sisters Serafina (Juan), Iciar, and Ana.
