euskalkultura.eus

04/09/2024 - Madera, California, USA

Nadyne Yribarren, a cherished matriarch known for her boundless energy and generous spirit, passed away on April 9, 2024, after a period of declining health. Born on July 2, 1928, in Marmaduke, Arkansas, Nadyne's journey of 95 years was marked by love, resilience, and a dedication to family and community. It was in Lincoln, California, surrounded by the love of her family, that Nadyne's vibrant life came to a peaceful close.

Nadyne's story began in the heart of the South but truly flourished when she and her family joined the wave of Americans seeking a fresh start in California during the 1930s. Packing up their belongings and settling in Corcoran CA to pick cotton with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A story told many times was the pleasure of eating fresh oranges in the back of a truck while on their journey to California. Her youth in rural Fresno County was colored by the values of hard work and perseverance, virtues that would define her life. A graduate of Washington Union High School in Easton, Nadyne's early independence shone through as she ventured into the world at 18, mastering roles from waitress, cashier, sales and accounting assistant with grace and competence.

But it was the fateful encounter with Joey Yribarren at the Rainbow Ballroom that set her heart and life ablaze. Their marriage in 1948 was the beginning of a dance that lasted 45 years, until Joe's untimely passing in 1993. Together, they celebrated the birth of their three children, Karen, Rick, and Gail, and reveled in the joy brought by their nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren, affectionately dubbed the "Cowboys, Indians, and Basquos."

Nadyne's legacy is lovingly carried on by her children, Karen (Greg) Lawley, Rick (Janette) Yribarren, and Gail (Mike) Villaneva, along with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who continue to embody the family's spirit of adventure and close-knit warmth. Grandchildren survived are Jason (Kristi) Lawley, Brad (Stacey) Lawley, Gage (Pam) Lawley, Karson (Tyler) Davis, Jeff (Wendy) Yribarren, Mitch (Taryn) Yribarren, Travis (Kim) Yribarren, Matt (Erin) Villaneva and Teresa Villaneva. Also, Great-grandchildren (ages 22-8) She is also survived by her sister-in-law Justina Borba and a host of adored nieces and nephews.

Nadyne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Linnie Napier Birdsell, her husband Joe Yribarren and siblings Bill, Charlie, Lee, Ray and Vernon Birdsell, Jessie McFarland, Bina Pickens, Ella Rouhoff and Ruby Birdsell

An inviting homemaker, Nadyne was deeply involved in her community. She was a pillar of St. Paul's Catholic Church & Altar Society and an active member of the Fresno Basque Club. Her faith and community service were exemplified through teaching catechism, leading church events, and lending her beautiful voice to the St. Paul’s choir every Sunday. Nadyne's love for dance, song, and gardening brought joy not only to her but to all who knew her. Her 'Lady Widows' friends will fondly remember her for the laughter and camaraderie they shared. Actively engaged in the community, she chaired the church Lamb BBQ’s and bake sales, supported Tranquillity Day BBQ and parades, weekly cleaned the church and rectory, helped with the Fresno County farm booth exhibit.

Nadyne's presence was a testament to the power of positivity and the strength of the human spirit. Her journey from the cotton fields of Corcoran to the vineyards of Easton, and finally to the heart of Tranquillity, California, where she called home for 71 years, is a narrative of unwavering determination and adaptability. Even after moving to Fresno to reside at the Nazareth House for 4 ½ years and later Lincoln to be closer to her daughters, Nadyne continued to spread her warmth and love, always proclaiming her pride in being an "Arkie" and a country girl at heart.

Her life story is a motivational tale of a woman whose friendly demeanor, thoughtful nature, and generous soul touched countless lives. Nadyne Yribarren lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on the world. She demonstrated that with a heart full of love and hands ready to serve, one person could indeed make a difference. As we celebrate Nadyne's remarkable life, let us honor her memory by embracing the dance of life with the same passion and joy she showed each and every day.

Visitation will be at Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue in Madera on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM. A Graveside Service will be on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Peter’s Cemetery, in Fresno, California.

Donations may be made in her memory to the following or charity of the donor’s choice.

- Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, woundedwarriorproject.org.,
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306 T2T.org or
- The Fresno Basque Club, Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 406, Fresno 93708

(published on JayChapel.com)

Goian Bego (GB) - May she Rest in Peace