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2017/03/04 - Boise, AEB

(Hil-ohar hau 2017-03-08an eman da argitara Idaho Statesman, Legacy.com-en)

Maria Alcorta 'Mary' Muguira

(Hanson Flats, OR 09-01-1921 ~ Boise, ID 04-04-2017)

Mary Alcorta Muguira, 95, passed away March 4, 2017 in Boise, Idaho of natural causes.

Mary was born September 1, 1921 in a sheep camp at Hanson Flats, Oregon to Basque immigrants, Tomas Benita Telleria Alcorta and Dominga Ansotegui Alcorta. Joining her older sister Tomasa and brother Joe, she arrived at 5am, delivered by her father as attending physician and a tomato crate as a crib - she grew up tough. The family was later joined by her younger sisters Juanita and Fran.

Times were not always easy and she was a hard worker. In her younger years working and growing up in McDermitt, Nevada, Mary worked helping feed the ranchers/hired hands and it was these years that led her to become a fabulous cook and immaculate house keeper. In approximately 1931, her father Tomas found a unique rock that transformed their lives from sheepherders to miners. The McDermitt Mine (Cordero Mine) was born and became the life blood of the community for many years. 

She married Frank Muguira on September 1, 1949 in Reno, Nevada and in 1950, their daughter Judy Marie was born followed by their son, Frank Ray, Jr., in 1957. During these years, Mom was a true homemaker doing the cooking, cleaning, and laundry while everyone was at school or working at the mine. In addition, she took care of her father in his later years as he lived in the home with the family. Once Judy and Frank Jr. both moved to Boise, and with the use of mercury slowing in the late 70's, Frank Sr. and Mary loaded up and moved to Boise in November of 1978 where they made many friends.

Their doors were always open and Mary loved to take care of everyone. There was always a bed for you and you never left her house hungry. Having suffered a stroke on July 11, 1997, her life was changed forever. Her toughness once again came to the surface as she battled through learning to speak, swallow and walk again. With Frank's passing in 2005, it became harder for her to live alone and she moved to assisted living in the late 2000's.

In 2012, when Judy was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, Mary moved again to be next to Judy. They lived across the hall from each other at Valley View Garden Plaza and Mary was a true Mom. They were able to connect in a way that was truly a blessing – each taking care of the other. Visiting was one of her favorite pastimes and she never knew a stranger.

Mom was very proud of her Basque heritage and loved listening to the Basque Choir when they visited her every year at Christmas time. In addition, she always enjoyed speaking with Father Antonio Eguiguren when he went to Valley View to visit.

Mary is survived by her son Frank R Muguira (Mary) and her sisters Tomie Bengochea and Juanita Nachiondo. Mary (Amuma) has three grandchildren of whom she was most proud of: Anecia Henrikson, Thomas Muguira (MaryPat) and Julie Muguira. Mary also has "three great grandchildren, whom she deemed 'perfect':" Jace Henrikson, Emma Muguira and Jett Eller, all of Boise, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Tomas and Dominga Alcorta, her husband Frank, daughter Judy Henrikson, her brother Joe Alcorta (Betty/deceased), and sister Frances Mariluch (Butch/deceased) along with numerous nieces and nephews, and brother-in-laws Pete Bengochea and Joe Nachiondo. 

A Rosary will be held Friday, March 10, 2017 at 7pm at Summers Funeral Home on Bannock Street, Boise with a viewing from 5-7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Latah Street, Boise with lunch following and graveside services thereafter at Dry Creek Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Biotzetik Basque Choir, Basque Museum & Cultural Center (both addresses of: 611 Grove Street, Boise ID 83702) or a charity of your choice  .

Published on Mar. 8, 2017 in Idaho Statesman, Legacy.com