euskalkultura.eus

10/10/2017 - Reno, Nevada, USA

1923 - 2017

Irene E. Arbeloa, 94, passed away on October 10, 2017 in Reno, Nevada. She was born in Yerington, Nevada on March 8, 1923 to Martin and Josephine Gaston Orriaga. The family lived in Smith Valley but the hospital was in Yerington. 

In 1925, the family moved to Reno. Irene attended Southside Grammar School, Northside Junior High School, Reno High School and Reno Business College. 

In 1941, Irene was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company as a bookkeeper. Those war years were a hub of activity in the telegraph company. In 1951, Irene was hired by Sierra Pacific Power Company in the Accounts Receivable department. Through the years, she was promoted to various departments. She was in Human Resources when she retired in 1983.

Irene married Leandro Arbeloa in 1963 and did much traveling with him. In 1980, she and her husband purchased a mobile home in Graeagle, California. After their retirement, they spent their summers there playing golf and fishing. Leandro passed away in 1994 but Irene continued to go to Greaeagle and enjoyed her summers there until she sold her home in 2011.

Irene had a positive attitude and a cheerful personality. She made friends easily. In her active and working years, she was involved in many organizations including the Reno Business and Professional Women's Club, Northern Nevada Personnel Association, The Catholic Young Ladies Institute (Y.L.I.), Pipe & Wire Toastmistress Club, and Sierra Connectors Retiree Club. She was a charter member and officer of the Reno Basque Club and a member of the Gardnerville Basque Club. She joined the Feather River Inn Niners Golf Club in Graeagle. She has been an active member of Our Lady of Snows Church since 1940.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Leandro Arbeloa, and her parents, Martin and Josephine Orriaga. She is survived by her cousin Lorraine Goni Taylor, and several nieces and nephews. A Private entombment will take place at Mt. View Cemetery Mausoleum. A memorial mass will take place at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church on Thursday, October 19th at 11:00 am. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home, Reno.

(published on Oct. 15, 2017 in Reno Gazette-Journal, Legacy.com)