Miren Gurutzne "Maria" Jayo

1929 - 2025

Miren Gurutzne Jayo

September 14, 1929 - July 19, 2025

Boise, Idaho - Miren Gurutzne "Maria" Jayo passed away of natural causes in Boise, Idaho, on July 19, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1929, in Mutriku, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country to Jose Mari Beristain Maiz and Eufemia Piquer Belaustegui. She was one of nine children who all worked alongside their mother running the local general store.

She was educated by the Carmelite nuns at their school in Zumaya, Basque Country. She later attended Notre Dame in Anglet, France, where she studied music and art. She was a creative spirit who very much enjoyed painting, playing the piano, and knitting/crocheting. While these things all brought her joy, her greatest sources of peace and passion were realized through her Catholic faith.

Gurutzne came to Boise in the summer of 1965. While living with her brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Alice Beristain, Nick introduced her to one of his best friends, Cecil Jayo. Cecil and Gurutzne married in February of 1966, and they had a son the following year. She embraced the roles of wife and mother and fully committed herself to the Sisyphean task of keeping Cecil clean and presentable. That particular endeavor lasted the entirety of their marriage: 55 years.

Cecil and Gurutzne had a beautiful partnership of love and support. When Cecil was working late nights at the Cactus Bar, Gurutzne was oftentimes sitting at the end of the counter knitting sweaters, slippers, or potholders. If Gurutzne wanted to go to the mall, Cecil would drive her there and then sit in the car for hours while she casually strolled through the stores looking at everything "on sale". And, when Cecil could no longer drive, he learned all of the bus routes to her favorite destinations so they could continue to live full lives together.

Gurutzne was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Jayo, her parents, and seven siblings: Imanol, Joseba, Jon, Itziar, Javier, Miren Karle, and Nicasi "Nick".

She is survived by her son, David Jayo, sister, Begoña Beristain, sister-in-law, Alice Beristain, nieces, Diane Records (Bob), Teresa Beristain, Kathleen Beristain, Mary LaBere (Tom), and many more nieces and nephews throughout the Basque Country.

Services will be held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist on Tuesday, August 12, with a Rosary at 10 a.m. and Mass at 11 a.m. Because Cecil passed away during the pandemic, services will also include a celebration of his life. Following the services, lunch will be provided at the Basque Center.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial donation to your charity of choice. A few of her favorites were The Basque Foundation, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and St. Luke's Hospice.