December 19, 1918 - June 27, 2017
Tomasa (Tomie) Alcorta Bengochea, 98, of Winnemucca, Nevada passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 of natural causes. Tomie was born at her Uncle Vic and Aunt Victoria Ansotegui’s Ranch (Oregon Canyon Ranch) about 30 miles north of the Nevada State line on December 19, 1918 to Basque immigrants, Tomas Benito Telleria Alcorta and Dominga Ansotegui Gabicagogeazcoa Alcorta who migrated from Spain. Due to the worldwide flu epidemic her mother was kept home on the ranch and her father Tomas went to town and picked up the doctor who delivered her.
Tomie was the oldest of five children. When she was young her family moved to McDermitt, Oregon where she attended school in a one room schoolhouse that was heated by a wood and coal stove. When she was old enough, she was given the job of starting the fire on cold mornings. The school was just for the students from Oregon and on the Nevada side there was a school for the Nevada kids. Tomie was a good student and enjoyed learning and playing games.
After graduating from the eighth grade, Tomie started working at The Commercial Hotel in McDermitt. Half of the hotel was in Oregon and half was in Nevada. Tomie said if she was in the dining room she was in Oregon and if she was in the hotel she was in Nevada. In 1936 when Tomie was 18 years old, Pepper Bilboa, the manager of the hotel, took over The Martin Hotel and Boarding House in Winnemucca. Tomie and a friend decided to go with him. She worked hard cleaning rooms for the boarders and serving tables. It was while working at The Martin Hotel that she met her husband, Pete Bengochea, as one of the customers and they were married on July 23, 1938. They made their home in Winnemucca where they had their daughter Joanna and son Gary. The family liked to spend time together camping in Hinkey Summit where Pete enjoyed fishing and hunting, while Tomie would knit and read.
Tomie was a hard worker and spent many years caring for her home and raising her family. In 1950, Pete and a partner purchased the Richfield Oil Agency delivering oil and gas. She worked in the office keeping records for twenty years.
Tomie was a beloved member of the community. She was a charter and lifetime member of the Eagles Auxiliary serving in all positions including State President. It was in 1957, while serving as President, that Tomie was invited to attend the National Eagles Auxilary Convention in New York City. Due to her aversion to flying Tomie chose to take the three-day trip by train rather than make the 4-hour flight. She later overcame her dislike for air travel and enjoyed many trips, including visits to the Basque Country to see cousins and relatives.
When her husband Pete passed away in 2003, Tomie devoted much of her time to the Senior Center helping run their craft and gift shop. Affectionately known by many as Amuma, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her door was always open and she had a never-ending supply of cookies and hugs.
For the last four years of her life Tomie was a resident of Harmony Manor. Her family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff for their kindness and dedication in caring for Tomie.
Tomie is survived by her daughter Joanna (Julian) Smith; her son Gary (Chris) Bengochea; her sister Juanita Nachiondo; her beloved niece Delphine Tinney; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; her ten grandchildren: Joylyn (Don) Harmer, Julene Smith, Jennifer (Shawn) Ruedy; Tomasa Bengochea, Alicia Bengochea, Levi (Spring) Bengochea, Leah Bengochea, Mondy (Brian) Myers, Isaac (Nicole) Bengochea, and Zane Bengochea; her eighteen great-grandchildren: Zoie, Espe and Sabine Harmer; Josh and Lander Smith; Julia and Sophia Ruedy; Chandler Bengochea; Tanner Marvel; Dominique Rasberry, Sebastian Benningfield; Maisie Paquette, Lindsey, Ethan, and Amaya Myers; Hadlee, Pete, and Maite Bengochea.
She is preceded in death by her parents Tomas and Dominga Alcorta; her husband Pete; her brother Joe Alcorta (Betty); her sister Mary Muguira (Frank); her sister Frances Mariluch (Butch); her brother-in-law Joe Nachiondo; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Rosary will be held Friday, July 7, 2017 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca, Nevada at 9:30 a.m. Services to follow at 10:00 a.m. Internment at the Winnemucca Cemetery thereafter with luncheon to follow at Ormachea’s Dinner House.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Basque Museum and Cultural Center (611 Grove Street, Boise, ID 83702) or Winnemucca Senior Center, Meals on Wheels (1480 Lay Street, Winnemucca, NV 89445).
Amuma asko maite zaitugu, faltan asko botako zaitugu eta goian bego. Grandma we love you a lot, we miss you a lot and rest in peace
