euskalkultura.eus

03/24/2021 - Meridian, Idaho, USA

Mari or Maria to some, Teodora for others, and Yaya to her beloved grandchildren, Maria Teodora Beltran de Heredia Beovide was born to Joaquin and Ildefonsa in Salvatierra, Alava (Spain).

She was the second of four sibilings. As a young woman she was an excellent student, and artist, who completed more than the usual education for that period, sataying on as an assistant to the famed Micaela Portilla (later known as the mother of Alava).

Mari tended her parent's store, and learned to be a dressmaker. In addition, she was active in a group that traveled into rural towns to vaccinate and educate. Later, she would become the first woman city council member in Salvatierra.

In 1969, she married Martin Aseguinolaza and after the birth of their two sons Ramon and Luis, she moved to America where Martin had gone ahead of her and purchased a farm in Meridian.

She often recalled how she spoke no English and boarded plane with a simple list of helpful words.

The following year, in 1974, their daughter Helena was born.

Teodora was widowed in 1979 when Martin died of a heart attack. To the surprise of many she remained in Idaho following Martin's wishes to raise their children in America. Her devotion to her husband was evident in many ways, including the fact that she never had any interest in remarrying.

In earlier years, she cleaned the Idaho State Bank in Kuna while still working their small sheep farm, gardening, and canning to feed her children.

She never forgot the support she received from friends and family during those difficult years.

Maria started sewing and spent many years working at Brookover's and New Generation.

She was known for her beautiful flower gardens  and was an incredible cook.

She was incredibly tough, resoyceful, and hard working, yet had a humorous side too.

Yaya finally became a grandmother at the age of 71. Before they started school, she cared gor all three of her grandchildren and they never spent a minute in daycare. She taught them maby things, including Spanish. The love she had for them abounded and they held the highest respect and affection for their Yaya.

She was able to live the remainder of her days in the farm, enjoying weekly Saturday family dinners and MUS card games, winning the last two games the Saturday before she died at home unexpectedly, surrounded by her loving family.

Teodora was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, their son Ramon, and her brother Eusebio. She is survived by her son Luis Aseguinolaza, Daughter Helena Aseguinolaza, son (in-law) Max Aaron Delgado, and grandchildren Max, Amelia, and Micaela Delgado. She is also survived by her sisters Milagros and Ignacia Beltran de Heredia Beovide and more family in Spain.

Friends are invited to her funeral on Monday, April 5th at Holy Apstles Catholic Church: a 10:00 Rosary and viewing followed by Mass at 11:00 and burial at the Meridian Cemetery. Virtual atendance & bilingual obituary available thtough https://summersfuneral.com/tribute/all-services/index.html