MONICA ERMANCE ETCHEVERRY

Monica Jaussaud Etcheverry was born on June 23, 1952 and passed away on October 13, 2025 after a short battle with ALS. Born in Bakersfield to Dermide “Babe” and Mildred Louise Jaussaud.

Monica attended St. Joseph and St. Lawrence Catholic Schools, Garces Memorial High School, and Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo. Monica’s Catholic faith, being every bit as important to her universe as her parents, horse and the family restaurant.

Monica reveled in her brother Gary’s affection as a child and throughout her life. Monica’s childhood was spent with cousins Martin, Marti, and Desiree playing and learning to cook from the volume of French recipes her grandmother Ermance Garnier provided. While Monica’s parents were busy running Bakersfield’s nostalgic Maison Jaussaud restaurant she spent much of her youth with her second family, Speranza Ambrosini, her daughter Mary, and Mary’s children Lori and Chris Maretich. Monica’s favorite pastime and pride of her youth was her horse “Agua Sparkle”. Days of her youth in the mid-1960’s and early 1970’s Monica joyously spent at Cantleberry Stables, collecting competitive show trophies with her horse and sharing friendships. Monica’s most cherished time were the long drives with her father to competitions, soaking in his thoughts about the restaurant, France, and life. She spoke of this time long after his passing. Monica’s deep pride in her French heritage found no better expression than in her own food. Deeply informed from her parent’s restaurant, her food was her link to her parents and brought great depth to the universe she inhabited.

In 1973 Monica was introduced to Albert Etcheverry. They were married shortly after on October 28, 1973. They began a family one year later. The Etcheverry and Ansolabehere families provided endless opportunities for family gatherings and the consumption of the famous beans from Maison Jaussaud. While Monica always made it easy to enjoy time in her universe, at the center of it was her family. Time spent attending her children’s sporting events was only topped by watching them dance with the Basque dance group at home in Bakersfield, or around the state. The crowning achievement of her life was her closely held love for her grandchildren.

Survived by husband of 52 years Albert Etcheverry, children Germaine Newstead (Paul); Joseph (Jane); Dominique Palla (Alex); Bernadette; and Timothy. Grandchildren John-Paul, Genevieve, and Dominic Newstead; Antone and Bennett Etcheverry; Francesca and Giavanna Palla. Brother: Gary Jaussaud; Goddaughter: Monica Etcheverry along with several nieces and nephews. Sister-in-law: Marie Jeanne Echevere; Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law: Raymond and Joanie Etcheverry. Cousins Marti Jerri and Martin Jaussaud. Dear friend Julie Parsons along with several near and dear friends.

Service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church. Rosary at 10:00am and Mass to follow at 10:30. Interment at Union Cemetery Wednesday, October 22. A special thanks to the staff at Hoffmann Hospice who provided loving care during Monica’s final days.