Obituary of Matilde Lasuen

Matilde “Matilda” Lasuen, 94, beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.  She was surrounded by her family, friends and so much love at the end of her life, just as she was throughout it.

Matilde was born June 25, 1929 to Andres Maruri and Anjela Goitiandia of Aulesti, Bizkaia. Her childhood was dedicated to her beloved family and her faith. She was very involved with her local Catholic community and served as President of the Hijas de Maria, (The Daughters of Mary.) Additionally, Matilde was devoted to Anthony of Padua, who is known as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items.

Matilde‘s earliest best friend was her older brother Enrique. Together they shared a special bond which included spending many nights helping their mother make socks to be sold each Monday morning at the market in Gernika. The same market immortalized by Picasso’s “Guernica”.  

Another nearby neighbor turned out to be the love of her life. John Lasuen and Matilde, first courted in the Basque country, and continued their long distance relationship after he left to find work in the United States. 

John soon returned to the Basque Country and married his lovely bride on January 7, 1956. In March of that same year, they immigrated to the United States.

After arriving in the US, they settled in Bruneau Idaho.  On December 1, 1960, Matilde and John went to work for the Bruneau Sheep Company, which is now Simplot Livestock company.  Hard-working and dedicated, John was soon promoted to foreman and manager of the “number two farm” and Matilde became the cook for their employees.

Her position was hard work; preparing three meals each day, 365 days a year, Matilde served homemade bread, fresh homegrown produce, local meat, and pastries. It was often said, that “both John Lasuen and their employees put their feet under the best table around.”

On February 8, 1957, John and Matilde welcomed their first child, Anjie. Their son Luis, arrived on November 19, 1964.  Together, they raised their children with unconditional love and support. Anjie and Luis enjoyed a playhouse, bum lambs to raise, toys, books, friends and hundreds of acres on which to roam. 

Between raising her children and cooking for their employees, Matilde also found time to be involved with the Altar Society for St. Henry’s parish in Grand View, Idaho. Every year, the ladies would raffle a cedar chest filled with handmade items and organize the annual Basque dance to raise funds for the parish.  Their efforts were always well received and successful.

In 1987, John and Matilde retired and moved to Mountain Home, Idaho. Never idle, they planted, tended and harvested a beautiful garden each year. They also cleaned local business offices as well as their church, Our Lady of Good Council for over 20 years.  In addition to being very involved with her parish and altar society, she was also a member of Mother Cabrini Sodality. 

Matilde’s love and joy was always fueled by her faith and family. She created a private shrine in her home and each morning, would light a candle, recite her rosary and spend time in prayer.

Matilde lived and embodied her faith.  Kind, calm, patient, devoted, and loving, Matilde was always available to listen, to pray, and to support her family, never one to gossip or create disturbance; Matilde always sought and prayed for peace.

As she settled into retirement, Matilde had the pleasure and the joy of watching her grandchildren grow up. Most recently, Matilde spent many evenings calling each of her grandchildren to check in on daily events and ensure they were all home for the evening and settled for bed. John and Matilde had five grandchildren: Nekane, Amaia, Loren, Lance, and Shaleah and 4 great grandchildren, Aven, George, Vinnie, and Esti with whom they were close and loved unconditionally. 

Matilde is survived by her husband, John: Her son, Luis (Shelly); and her grandchildren Nekane (Tyler), Amaia (Ben), Loren, Lance, Shaleah; and great grandchildren, Aven, George, Vinnie, and Esti. The family request that any memorial contributions be made to the Mountain Home Euskal Laguank P.O. Box 88, Mountain Home ID, 83647 and our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 342 E Jackson St. Mountain Home ID, 83647

A viewing will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, at 6pm, immediately preceding a Rosary Service at 7pm at Rost Funeral Home 500 N. 18 E. Mountain Home ID, 83647. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. February 6, 2024, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home.