euskalkultura.eus

05/04/2017 - Reno, Nevada, USA

(Nov 30, 1943 - May 4, 2017)

Judy Rae Laca passed away peacefully on May 4, 2017 after a long and courageous battle of illnesses, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born in Winnemucca, Nevada on November 30, 1943 to parents Pete and Lois Laca. She attended Winnemucca Grammar School and High School. After moving with her family to Reno in 1959, she attended and graduated from Reno High School in 1961. Judy began her long and successful career with Nevada Bell in 1963 as a telephone operator and continued through the years, advancing her career to become an engineer until her retirement in 1996. Her drive and strong work ethic then took her to a second career at Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority where she worked from 2000 until her passing.

She was a Life Member of AT&T Telecom Pioneers, a dedicated member, and past Chapter President of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and was the recipient of professional awards due to her involvement. Judy was also a member of the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club.

Judy's passions included her love of animals and pets, especially her constant puppy companions. Her dedication over the years past, to her father Pete's small farm near Washoe Valley brought her great joy. And being the strong Basque woman that she was, she happily took over the care of the family's sheep and horses. She also had a strong passion for international travel, participating over the years in advocacy programs as "Santa Claus" delivering gifts to needy children in orphanages in Asia and Europe. 

Judy was a loving and generous "Auntie" to her niece Aimee, and nephew Justin and was also a great-aunt to Alex and Marisa Eiguren. Her parents, Pete and Lois Laca, preceded her in death. Judy is survived by her sister, Paula (Laca) Eiguren (Lou) of Carson City and brother Peter Laca (Bobetta) of Reno, niece, Aimee Eiguren-Necochea (Robert) of San Mateo, CA, nephew, Justin Eiguren (Emilie, Alex and Marisa) of Carlsbad, CA as well as her Aunt Margie Fagg of Winnemucca, along with many Laca cousins.

Per Judy's request, a private family service will be conducted prior to a 4:00 p.m. Rosary at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Saturday, May 27th, followed by Mass at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Charities or the Reno SPCA.

A Celebration of Life for Judy is being planned by her "airport family" for family and friends at a later date in June

(Published on May 21, 2017 in Reno Gazette-Journal, Legacy.com)