Joan Winter, 79

Our much loved mother and grandmother went home to be with the Lord last Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010.

Joan was born to Charles and Eva McLaren on Oct. 18, 1931, in Fargo, N.D. She will be welcomed into heaven by family members who preceded her, including her parents; her sister, Patricia; her son, Scott and her husband, Jim.

Joan and Jim settled in North Idaho in 1981. Throughout her life she was active in numerous charitable organizations, being a founding member of the North Idaho Handicapped Foundation. She ran Bingo games for charities like the 12 step club and local food banks. Her many good works truly made a difference in the lives of so many people. She was a deeply spiritual woman, and was very dedicated to family, including many close friends whom she considered to belong to her family. Joan enjoyed oil painting and had an interest in politics. She loved to play games and share laughter and good times with family and friends.

Professionally, Joan was a lifetime member of the Communication Workers of America Union and worked in the newspaper industry for many years. Later she worked as a property manager for low income housing, including Camlu Apartments, Lake Country Apartments, Marina Vista and Maple Grove Apartment complex in Post Falls.

Joan is survived by her bother, Paul McLaren of Kelseyville, Calif.; daughter Connie Howerton of Coeur d'Alene; son Michael Dunham of Coeur d'Alene; daughter Christina Dunham of Coeur d'Alene and son Kelly Dunham of Kissimmee, Fla. She will be missed by her surviving 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend an invitation to the many people whose hearts Joan touched by joining them for a memorial service that will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home Chapel in Coeur d'Alene.

Please visit Joan's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.