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10/01/2025 - Bakersfield, California, US

María Lesaca (February 12, 1931 – October 1, 2025) passed away in Bakersfield, California. She was the widow of Félix Lesaca, and born like him in Navarre. They made California and Bakersfield the place to settle and start their family, deeply involved in the local Basque community. She was a honorary member of the Kern County Basque Club.

Our deepest condolences to her children, Javier (Benita), Felix (Theresa), grandchildren, Alexander, Amaia, Maxwell, and Dominic, family, and many friends, both in California and Navarre.

This is the obituary published in Greenlawn:

Maria Puy Lesaca, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully. She was 94 years old.

Maria was born on February 12, 1931, in El Busto, Navarra, Spain, to Crispin Fernandez and Maria Ramirez. She grew up in northern Spain alongside her siblings, Pedro (Nieves) and Carmen (Ricardo), cherishing her roots and traditions throughout her life.

In Spain, she met and married the love of her life, Felix Lesaca. Together they immigrated to Bakersfield, California, in 1961, where they built a new life rooted in hard work, family, and community.

Maria worked in several Basque restaurants in Bakersfield for over 25 years, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and the warmth she brought to everyone she met. Her strong work ethic and generous spirit made her a beloved member of the Basque community.

A talented seamstress, Maria loved sewing and quilting, creating beautiful pieces for her family and friends that will be treasured for generations. She found great joy in preparing traditional Basque meals and sharing them with family, friends, and anyone who came through her door. Feeding others was her way of expressing love, and her kitchen was a place where no one ever left hungry.

She is survived by her sons Javier (Benita) and Felix (Theresa); her grandchildren Amaia (Ryan), Dominic (Alayna), Alex (Jacqueline), and Max and her great-granddaughter Nora; her siblings Pedro and Carmen; and numerous nieces and nephews in Spain.

The family would like to give special thanks to Adela Alvarez and Lourdes Solano for their devoted care and compassion, which provided comfort and dignity to Maria in her final years. They also extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Delian’s Manor and Senior Care for their kindness and support throughout her time there.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Lesaca.

Her family and friends will forever remember her gentle heart, her devotion to family, and her love of home and heritage.

A rosary and funeral mass will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Bakersfield on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with the rosary beginning at 9:00 a.m. and mass at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kern County Basque Club Scholarship Fund in Maria’s memory.

Goian Bego (GB). Descanse en Paz. May she Rest in Peace.