Born in Aldude, France on August 25, 1927, she was preceded in death by her husband , Jean Pierre and her son, Joe Saldubehere. She was also preceded in death by her 5 brothers and sisters and 1 niece.
She was a devoted mother and grandmother and is survived by her daughter, Yvette (Jean Baptiste Bidegaray), her grandchildren, Jean Michel (Jackie) Bidegaray, Danielle (Maurice) Negueloua , and Patrick (Ginger) Bidegaray. She was also a very loving great grandmother to 8 : Maguire, Blaine, Jacob, Gisele, Reagan, Hayes, Elene and Jean Luc. She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews in France.
Yvonne spent her early years in a farm house (Arrokia) in France and migrated to the US in 1949 after marrying her husband, Jean Pierre. They welcomed their son in 1950 and daughter in 1953. Together, they built a new life for themselves in their beloved adopted country and worked very hard in the sheep business.
Yvonne was a member of the Fresno and Los Banos Basque Club communities. Although she loved her new country, she carried her Basque traditions with her and passed them down to her family. She loved watching her grandchildren and then even her great- grandchildren dance at the Basque Picnic.
Yvonne was a very strong woman; physically, mentally and spiritually. Life was not always easy, but she relied heavily on her faith, especially during the illness and subsequent deaths of her husband in 1994; and later her son, in 2005. She was a very active member of Our Lady of Victory Church and spent years volunteering for the Women’s Guild and involved with the Italian Catholic Federation.
Although Yvonne spent many years devoted to her husband, kids and the sheep business, she also knew how to have a great time and enjoy the company of her friends. In her later years, Yvonne could be found on Sundays playing 21 with her gal pals or taking a bus trip to various destinations. She liked an occasional glass of white wine or vermouth and was always ready to enjoy some good Basque food and the company of her amazing friends.
A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730, on September 18, 2025, starting at 9:30 am.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the same location, beginning at 10:00 am.
The Committal Service will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, located at 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706, on September 18, 2025, at 11:30 am immediately after the Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations that Yvonne cherished:
Nazareth House – 2131 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703
Alzheimer’s Association – 7461N. First Street #103, Fresno, CA 93720
Fresno Basque Club Scholarship Fund- PO Box 406, Fresno, CA 93708
