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2016/07/31 - Sparks, AEB

(Lovelock, NV June 18, 1931 - Sparks, NV July 31, 2016)

Carmelita Zubieta, known to many as "Mike" or "Auntie Mike", passed away peacefully on July 31, 2016. She was born in Lovelock, NV to Victor Zubieta and Maria Omar, Spanish Basque emigrants. Carmelita was a first generation Nevadan, and very proud of her pure Basque heritage. 

Carmelita attended schools in Lovelock, and graduate from Pershing County High School in 1950. She participated in many extra-curricular activities including class secretary, class treasurer, head cheerleader, etc. All while caring for her father and brothers at home.

çCarmelita was a well known citizen of Lovelock, Reno and Sparks, NV. Mike was first employed by Nevada Bell Telephone in Lovelock. When Nevada Bell closed its offices in Lovelock, Carmelita moved to Reno and continued to work for the phone company. In Reno, she met and married Raymond Monette. She and Ray started their family a few years later with the birth of their son Russell, followed by daughter Dana. Mike left the phone company; choosing to be home with her children. Ray and Mike bought their home in Sparks when she was expecting Russell, and she lived there until her passing. When her children were in high school, she returned to work at the WCSD in the Foods and Nutrition Department. She loved her job, and the many friends she made over the years working for the school district.

An active wife, mother, grandmother, co-worker and steadfast friend, Mike will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Her deep faith, loving smile and great sense of humor will be among the memories we carry of her. She enjoyed celebrating her Basque heritage at the annual festivals, driving to Carson City to buy true Basque Chorizo, and visiting her children and grandchildren. A talented crafter, she generously gave beautiful handmade gifts to her friends and family; most people close to her have some form of her art to cherish.

çShe was preceded in death by her father, mother, and her brother Victor. She is survived by Raymond Monette, her brother Daniel Zubieta, son Russell Monette (Amy), daughter, Dana Forte, and her grandchildren: Tyler Forte, Taylor Forte and Brandon Taylor.

Carmelita was an active member of the Catholic faith, and a Mass will be celebrated in her honor at the Immaculate Conception Church, located at the intersection of 528 Pyramid Way and 2900 N McCarran Blvd, Sparks, NV on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following Mass.

(Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Aug. 7, 2016)