Claudine Idiart

Claudine Idiart

89, passed away peacefully in her home in San Rafael, CA. on March 14, 2013.

Born in 1923 to Jean and Maider Astabie in the Basque hamlet of Orsanco, France, Claudine grew up in a large family with 8 other siblings. In 1947, she married Peter (Pierre) Idiart and soon thereafter, embarked on a grand journey to America. The newly wedded couple started a new life in San Francisco, away from the ravages of war in France. Alongside her husband, Claudine worked tirelessly to save enough money and afford their own home. Whether working in a French laundry until the births of her son Patrick and her late daughter Suzie (Sue), or managing a corner store by their house on 2nd Avenue, she was no stranger to hard work.

Claudine, was first and foremost a very dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her two children unconditionally and her generosity and support, be it with time, advice or money, knew no bounds. She was also extremely proud of her grandchildren and doted on them every time she saw them. Danielle, Kimmy, Chris and Jill will forever miss her kind heart and loving ways.

She was truly one of a kind: she became a health fanatic long before it became popular, power walking the streets of San Francisco for hours at a time and swimming several times a week. She always stayed active and abreast of current events. Although she did not have much of a formal education, she was wise, inquisitive and progressive in her thinking.

In 2005, she suffered a great blow in losing her darling daughter Sue to brain cancer. Five months later, Peter, her husband passed away in his sleep. Yet, she stood strong, never complaining about her grief, she remained the great pillar of strength of the family.

She fought breast cancer but ultimately her heart condition took her away from us.

We will miss her contagious laugh, her classy ways and the bright spirit she exuded among us. Still, we also take comfort in knowing that she is reunited at last, with Ttuti (Sue) and Peter.

She is survived by her son Patrick and his wife Marie, her son-in-law Emile Chapot Jr., her dear sister Maya, her granddaughter Danielle and her husband Jon Morrison, Kimmy and her fiancé Eric Schmitt, Chris and Jill Idiart along with other many relatives.

A memorial mass will be held in her honor at Star of the Sea, 4420 Geary in SF on 4-6-13 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Ave. in South SF.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National Brain Tumor Foundation or Hospice.