Marie Antonia Guisasola Aspiri was born in Boise, Idaho on April 4, 1916 to Leona Urrutxua and Emmertio Guisasola. Marie had two older brothers both born in the Basque Provinces in Spain. Her family immigrated to America; she grew up on a farm in Grandview Idaho and spent her summers in a Basque sheepherder’s wagon with her family. She recalled driving a horse and buggy to school and loved the Saturday night dances and this is how she met Abe. She graduated from Grandview High School and married Abraham Aspiri in 1935. In 1936 their son Ray Aspiri was born. With a few belongings, a new child and a car they moved to Mullen Idaho. Here their daughter, Josephine was born in 1938 in Wallace Idaho.

Marie loved to play pinochle with her family and close friends. She also had a talent for making quilts for all the family. Marie had a strong Catholic faith and enjoyed attending Sunday mass at St. James Cathedral.

Marie faced her challenges with courage, dignity and grace as she worked hard on the farm alongside her husband, cooking for the farmhands. From 1944 to 1953 they had the Russell Hotel in Emmett, Idaho. Upon moving to Western Washington, Marie began a career as a grocery Checker. She worked many years for Ralph’s Thriftway in Lacey, Washington, where she won several awards for her hard work. Upon retiring they moved to Seattle where they had rental properties and an apartment house on Boylston. They lived in a lovely home in the Wedgewood District until moving into the Exeter House, where her husband Abe, died in 1999. Marie continued to reside at the Exeter House for13 years. Marie enjoyed her family. She had ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren to keep her well entertained. She shared fabulous stories and memories and was active up until the last month of her life. Her family is grateful for all the years they shared with her. She had a peaceful passing at home with family parading in and out constantly. She will be missed.

She is survived by her son, Ray (Edith) Aspiri, daughter Josephine (Aspiri) Benson (Norris) Rumreich. Luise Echevarria (niece).

Grandchildren, Paul, Gary (Mitzi) Aspiri, Tressa Azpiri, Karen (Randy) Heit, Mark (Jennifer) Aspiri, John (Debbie) Azpiri. Barrick (Sheila) Benson, Brent (Gudrin) Benson and Bart Benson. Brenda Rumreich Morris

Her GreatGrandchildren Briana Marie Aspiri Chwaszczewski (deceased) Max Chwaszczewski. Ryan Aspiri, Jasmine Azpiri, Jarem Azpirihakala, Kramer Aspiri, Spencer Heit, Madison Aspiri, Christopher Benson, Amanda Benson, Tylor Heit, Austyn Heit, Ciara Benson, Justin Thyer, Wyatt Heit, Skylar Benson, Riley Benson, Carmen Azpiri and Kathleen Azpiri.

Services are under the direction of Island Funeral Service. Memorial contributions can be made to: Exeter House Scholarship Fund(Hearts of Gold) at 720 Seneca Street,Seattle, WA 98101 Catholic Community Services 100 23rd Ave S., Seattle WA. 98144 (att.Rosemary Zilmer) St. James Cathedral 804 9th Street, Seattle WA. 98104 Services will be held on Friday, June 8th. A mass will be held at Saint James Cathedral at 10:00a.m. on Friday, June 8th with a lunch following. The Graveside services will be at the Vashon Island Cemetery at 3:30pm.