Maria Altuna Lete, 91, passed away Feb. 22 in Meridian, Idaho, at the home of her son, Jess Lete.

Maria was born Nov. 1, 1924, in Vergara, Guipuzcoa, Spain, to Jose Martin Altuna and Lucia Eguidazu.

At the age of 35, she married Domingo Lete and traveled by boat to America. They began their family right away.

Maria and Domingo owned and operated the Plaza Hotel for 22 years, which was known as one of the best Basque boarding houses around in Burns. Together they created a little bit of Euskadi, the Basque culture, right here in Burns for all the lodgers. The lodgers were like family. There were 14 rooms always filled with young men trying to make a good living, so they could bring their families to America for a better life.

Maria was an amazing Basque cuisine cook. She cooked many meals for community leaders, Rep. Bob Smith, and even once for Governor, Vic Atiyeh. Maria could make something out of nothing. Everybody loved going to the Plaza Hotel for great food and awesome entertainment. Maria will be missed greatly. She was the best of the best. May she join our wonderful father up in heaven.

Maria is survived by four of her siblings, which all live in Euskadi (Spain); many nieces and nephews; son, Javier and wife, Kelly Lete; daughter, Amparo and husband, Karl Hofman; son, Jess and wife, Tina Lete; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Maria’s memory may be made to the Autism Society Treasure Valley, P.O. Box 44831, Boise, Idaho 83711.