Carmen Urlezaga

1924 - 2017

Carmen J Urlezaga
11/1/1924 ~ 1/26/2017
Our dear mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Carmen Urlezaga, passed away on January 26, 2017 with the loving support of her family. Carmen was born November 1, 1924 in La Grande Oregon to Justo Erdoiza and Maria Petra Telleria. She had four siblings, Angel. Lola, Maria and Tomasa. She graduated from Bruneau High School and moved to Boise at the age of 18, where she remained.
While working at the Cherry Blossom restaurant in downtown Boise Carmen met and began dating John Urlezaga. They both had a love of the Basque culture and events. They married in 1947 at St. John's Cathedral. They had two children, Alice and John. She spoke about her children as the greatest accomplishment of her life. She was also very proud of her granddaughter Angie Kolar.
Carmen worked a variety of jobs including waitressing, a bowling alley, JJ Newberry's for 13 years and First Security Bank for 15 years where she retired.
As a family they participated in many Basque cultural functions including Oinkari Basque Dancers, Basque picnics in not only Boise but also Elko, Winnemucca, Gooding and Mountain Home. They were also very active in the Basque Center and parish members of St. Mark's Catholic Church of Boise. Carmen had family, friends and acquaintances that she loved deeply. She in return was greatly loved and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
She was a very special person with a heart of gold, a wonderful smile, a kind spirit, unending support and love for all. God will have a special place for her in his arms.
She was preceded in death by her husband John; brother, Angel Erdoiza; sisters, Lola and Marie Erdoiza,
She is survived by her children and spouses, Alice (Mike) Kinnear; John (Jeanne) Urlezaga; granddaughter Angie (Jaspur) Kolar and great grandchild Kyrie. Her sister Tomosa (Benny) Goitiandia. Nephews and nieces, David (Anna) Goitiandia, Ramon (Diana) Goitiandia, Gloria (Terry) Miller, Laurel Erdoiza and Erin Erdoiza. And extended family, Brock, Lucas, and JaiCi Keefe.
Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. February 2nd at St. Mark's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. February 3rd at St. Mark's Catholic Church, with Father Ben Uhlenkott as the celebrant. Burial will follow at Morris Hill Cemetery under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. Ending with a Reception at the Basque Center.
A special thank you to Hillcrest Assisted Living staff for providing our Mother with your care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Basque Center or Alzheimer's Association Idaho.