Maria Mercedes "Merche" Maguregui

Maria Mercedes "Merche" (Legarreta) Maguregui passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2018. Merche was born in Gernika, Bizkaia in the Basque Country on September 24th to Vicente Legarreta and Pilar Monasterio. She was one of nine children. She was a survivor of the 1937 bombing of her hometown Gernika. She was raised in Gernika where her dear friend Miren (Foruria) Barquin convinced her to come to Boise in 1969. While visiting Boise Merche fell in love with Jose Mari Maguregui. On January 21, 1971 they married, resided in Lewiston for a short time and later moving to Boise. 

Merche was an active member of Euzkaldunak where she enjoyed countless dinners, dances and special events. Especially playing Briska with her best friend Carmen Asumendi. She loved to garden, sing and dance. She was the first one on the dance floor and last one off. Merche was very outgoing, and those who knew her best could share many funny stories about her. She was, as most Basque women are, very independent, strong-willed and proud of her heritage.

Merche is survived by Jose Mari, her husband; daughter Mari Luz (Steven) Anderson; daughter Miren (German Olabarria) Maguregui. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the Basque Country. A vigil service will be held on Thursday November 8, at Cloverdale Funeral Home at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be on Friday November 9, at Saint John's Cathedral at 1pm.

Memorials can be made to Euzkaldunak.