Grace Louise Mainvil

Grace Louise Mainvil
1934 ~ 2017
Grace L. Mainvil, 83, formerly of Weiser, ID, passed away on October 6, 2017 at her home in Eagle, ID with her family at her side. Our mother and smiling friend is now resting after a long and fulfilling life.
Grace was born in San Juan Capistrano, CA to Basque immigrants from Spain and France on January 17, 1934. She attended elementary and high schools in San Juan Capistrano, CA. She received her Home Economics undergraduate degree from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, TX and her Masters of Science in Education from USC, CA by the age of 21. Grace taught high school home economics in Whittier, CA then left teaching when she married her husband, John, in 1959. They made their home in Riverside, CA before moving to Weiser, ID in 1972. During this time, Grace assisted with the sheep ranching and farming all while raising 4 daughters. She supported Basque sheepherders, participated in the Wool Growers by promoting "Eat Lamb, Wear Wool", was a local 4-H club leader, and volunteered at church and school events for many years. Grace was a member of the Chino CA, Ontario OR, and Boise ID Basque Clubs and served as a delegate and treasurer for the North American Basque Organization (NABO) for 28 years. As a national officer, she represented the organization at national and international events. She loved sharing her Basque culture with her family and communities. For her years of service and contributions, she received a NABO life-time achievement award and was inducted into the national Basque Hall of Fame.
Wherever you saw her, she was engaged in conversation with people, always with a smile, and a kind word for everyone.
She is survived by her husband, John, of 58 years; daughters Janice, Joanne (Mick), Louise (Grant), Linda (Mike), and 6 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Julia, and sister-in-law, Marie. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John; brother-in-law, Joe; and sister-in-law, Josephine.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the friends and family who supported Grace throughout the years and more recently to MSTI during her illness.
A vigil service will be held Thursday, Oct 12 at 7:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W Bannock St, Boise, ID. A funeral mass will be held Friday, Oct 13 at 10:00am at St. John's Cathedral, 775 N 8th St, Boise, ID. All are invited to a reception following mass at the Basque Center, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID.
Memorial contributions may be made to either NABO, Udaleku Fund (c/o Mayi Petracek, Treasurer, 11971 S Allerton Circle, Parker, CO 80138) to support annual youth Basque education camps, or to a Basque organization of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.summersfuneral.com