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02/12/2022 - Elko, Nevada, USA

In the early afternoon hours of February 12, 2022, Mary Asumendi Goicoechea, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on May 7, 1936 to Domingo and Imogene Irving Asumendi in Ely, Nevada.

Mary attended elementary school in Duckwater, NV in a one room schoolhouse and graduated high school in Ely, NV. She attended college in San Francisco for a short time. She later returned to Ely and went to work for the White Pine County Recorder's office. Shortly after, Mary met the love of her life, Albert Goicoechea, while he was tending to a herd of sheep in Duckwater. Mary and Albert wed on June 21, 1958. Mary and Albert had four children, Andy, Steve, Veronica (Mark) Eldridge, and Elias (Carolyn) Goicoechea.

In 1960, Mary, Albert and their first born moved to Elko, where Mary began a long 25-year career with the City of Elko as a bookkeeper. Mary was an avid bowler. She participated in many bowling competitions where she enjoyed the company of her fellow bowlers and friends. She also enjoyed Cowboy Poetry and hosting her lifelong friend from Duckwater and others from Railroad Valley during the Poetry. Mary was a devout Catholic and involved in a variety of Church activities and functions. She was always the first to lend a helping hand by arranging funeral luncheons and providing many of her delicious side dishes.

Mary was a divine baker. She made a few wedding cakes, including her daughter's, and her grandkids always requested her famous chocolate mayonnaise cake for their birthday parties to be decorated with their favorite characters, which Mary would draw by hand. She was also a lifetime member of the Elko Basque Club where you would find her always working during the festival, but would sneak away to watch all her children and grandchildren partake in Basque Festival activities. Mary retired at the young age of 57, at which time she enjoyed traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, bowling, and volunteering her time at the Catholic Church.

Mary is survived by her sister, Hermie Balliet; four children mentioned above, grandchildren, Jessica Praise, Natacia Eldridge, Dakota (Quincy) Eldridge, Jess Goicoechea, Anthony (Kalene) Goicoechea, Lauren Schmidt (Austin), Austin Goicoechea, Amanda Goicoechea, Albert Goicoechea, and Sammi Guerra; three great-grandchildren, Landon Praise, Meysa Morrison, Sally Eldridge and soon-to-be Ruby Eldridge, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to Mary's caregivers, Ale Coronado and Julissa Alverez for their loving care and support the last four years. Also thank you to Mary's niece, Carmen Balliet for caring for her the two years prior.

A rosary will be held on Friday, February 18th at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elko. A funeral mass to celebrate Mary's life will follow. A luncheon will be provided at Mater DEI Hall directly after the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elko or Elko Basque Club.

(published by Elko Daily, Legacy.com on Feb. 16, 2022)