Victoriana Oleaga Arrubarrena

Our beloved Ama, Amuma,and Biramuma (mother, grandmother and great grandmother),

Victoriana Oleaga Arrubarrena passed away on February 26, 2026 in Boise, Idaho surrounded in love by her family and dear caregivers.

Victoria was born June 2, 1932 in Mundaka, Basque Country, Spain to Faustino Oleaga of Mundaka and Maria Basabe of Rigoitia, Spain. She grew up on the family farm Solaguren along with five siblings. At a young age she attended sewing school to acquire skills which she later utilized to offer classes to other young women along with helping with chores and caring for siblings on the farm.

She married her hometown sweetheart, Antonio “Tony” Arrubarrena Amarica on July 11, 1959 in Mundaka. Tony migrated to Boise to work in the sheepherding industry and after a few years, having saved enough funds Victoria and their first child, Miren joined him in Boise. The three now began their new life in a foreign country with all the challenges of an unknown language, finding sustainable work and making friends to integrate in the communities, both Basque and non-Basque alike. Shortly after, Victoria and Tony had two more children in Boise, Rosa Mari and Antonio Jr.

Victoria quickly practiced her skills at tailoring by finding work altering men’s clothing for local department stores. In her lifelong career, she tirelessly worked for Falks ID, Riley’s, The Mode, The Bon Marche, The Bazaar, Alexander’s Mens Store, finally retiring from the Mens Warehouse. Victoria always took pride in her attention to detail and suiting men to obtain their perfect fit. She proudly recounted stories of being the personal tailor to the former Governor of Idaho and U.S. Secretary of Interior, the honorable Cecil D. Andrus who would personally seek her services, even coming to her personal residence after hours.

Victoria’s faith and love for Jesus were integral in her life. She believed in working hard to provide her children with a Catholic upbringing and schooling, attending church services regularly and praying daily.

Her children and grandchildren provided Victoria with the greatest joy in her life. Whether cooking traditional meals, gardening and raising flowers or attending various school or Basque events, she would find a life teaching opportunity and always show her support, enthusiasm and great pride.

Victoria was selected and interviewed for a tribute to Basque women. She was featured among a group of remarkable women who through several generations bridged two continents in Inner Strength: Portraits for Basque Women. Throughout the years, the Basque community provided her with a true sense of fellowship, unity, and culture which she inherently carried over to her children and grandchildren. She was involved in the Biotzetik choir for many years, enjoying trips, performances and sewing colorful, intricate uniforms for them.

Victoria was known for her vivacious personality. Her energy and passion for the music and all things Basque was best displayed at any and all functions she attended, which included wearing her custom Basque attire and throwing an “irrintzi” (a joyous Basque shout) to spark the atmosphere.

Victoria was stricken with dementia the last several years of her life. As we witnessed her body and brain being affected and later depleted, we unexpectedly observed her mind and soul evolving. She touched people’s lives each and every day in unforeseen moments of laughter and with expressions, communicating in ways most people experience typically with words. This beauty was unconditional, unassuming, simple and serene.

Victoria leaves behind her children, Miren (Jon) Arozamena, Rosa Mari (Richard) Arrubarrena Colburn and Tony Jr., grandchildren, Naiara (Thomas), Julen (Monica), Nekane and Josu, and great granddaughter Oihana. Also, brothers Juan Jose in Boise and Pedro in Spain. She is preceded in death by her husband Tony, daughter in law Kim, parents and siblings in Spain and Boise.

The family wishes to thank Ancora Hospice, Care Moore Homes, Morningstar Memory Care and Willow Park Assisted Living for their compassionate and gentle care over the last weeks, months and years.

Donations may be made in honor of Victoria to the Basque Center, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Biotzetik Basque Choir, or to Artzai Ona.

Rosary services will be held at Bowman Funeral Parlor (10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Boise) Sunday, March 15th at 6:00 PM.

An informal celebration gathering will continue at the Basque Center bar (601 Grove St., Boise) following the rosary.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, (7960 W. Northview St. Boise) Monday, March 16th at 11:00 AM with a lunch following at the church in Donoghue Hall.

To attend the service virtually please visit St Mark's Catholic Church | Boise ID | Facebook The live streaming of the funeral mass will begin a few minutes before 11:00 am, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City. 208-853-3131