Marguerite (Marge) Sicily Bengochea entered heaven on October 29, 2015, following a brief stay at the Pershing General Hospital Nursing Facility. Marge was born on June 14, 1919 (National Flag Day), the youngest of two children to Tim and Alma Smith in Winnemucca, Nevada. Her Father Tim used to say that flags were flown not only to honor the nation, but her birth as well. In 1921, her parents moved to Long Beach, California, and later moved to Anaheim to manage an orange orchard on some land that is now part of some highly valuable property located in Orange County, Los Angeles, California. Marge attended school through the eighth grade at Magnolia Elementary School in Anaheim. In 1933, the Depression brought her parents back to Winnemucca where she graduated with honors from Humboldt County High School. In this early part of her life, she played the saxophone, did some singing and was accompanied by her brother Donald in a dance band that entertained many local residents in the former Nixon Hall (where the Winnemucca Convention Center now exists). On June 14, 1939, Marge married Frank Mateo Bengochea who preceded her in heaven on June 2, 1990. Together they had three children, one daughter (Carol), and two sons (Tim and Dave), and five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren followed.
In the early part of their marriage, Frank operated a Flying “A” gas station on Winnemucca Boulevard until later owning and managing a farm supply business on Railroad Street. They later bought and managed the Park Motel on Winnemucca Boulevard for several years. They moved to a residence on Bridge Street while Frank worked for Winnemucca Farms until his retirement. During the many years of operating businesses together, Marge was a very devoted mother, a homemaker, and had several hobbies that she enjoyed and loved. She became interested in ceramics and demonstrated her artistic talents in making and designing several figurines and statues, many of which were given to family and friends. Over her lifetime, she became an excellent seamstress and extended those skills to her daughter. Her early life with the saxophone instilled in her a passion for music, listening and singing along with songs from ballads to pop music which usually accompanied her throughout her daily routine and tasks. Marge was most noted for her love of flowers and garden. She designed and planted many beautiful and colorful displays of various plants and flora which adorned her splendid yard and garden. The many daily hours that she devoted to weeding and carefully pruning each flower resulted in many compliments from her family and friends, as well as people throughout the community.
Marge was preceded in heaven by her loving husband Frank, her mother, father and brother. She is survived by her loving children, Carol Sever and her husband Doug of Carson City; Tim Bengochea of Chandler, Arizona; and, Dave Bengochea and his wife Maria (Garijo) of Winnemucca; her grandchildren Sean Sever and his wife Petra (Doring) of Carson City, NV; Nicole Lecumberry (Sever) and her husband Chris (Lecumberry) of Firestone, Colorado; Taime Bengochea of Mesa, Arizona; Pachi Bengochea and his wife Nikki (Swecker) of Winnemucca; and, Mayelen Bengochea of Winnemucca. Her great-grandchildren include Sarah, Zachary and Noah Sever of Carson City, Nevada; Kendall and Kylie Lecumberry of Firestone, Colorado; Eleanor of Mesa, Arizona; and Kepa, Adia, and Txema Bengochea of Winnemucca.
Despite her many talents, Marge was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. People in her life will remember her best for the genuine love and care, and the compassion, understanding and kindness she showed everyone who had the pleasure of her company. She dearly loved and revered her family and was given the same love and devotion in return. The family is extremely grateful for Marge gracing us with her presence for her long life of 96 years. Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, Marge’s spirit will live within our family and forever in our hearts. May she find comfort in joining her husband in heaven while being in the hands of angels, and while the tears in our eyes can be wiped away, the ache in our hearts will always stay.
There will be a private ceremony held on November 12, 2015, attended by her immediate family and a graveside service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church Altar Society, 350 Melarkey Street, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445.
