Jean Ellis Emerson, 72

Jean passed into eternal peace with God, June 2, 2010. She was born in Missoula, Mont., Feb. 3,1938. Jean’s fun-loving, feisty and independent personality began at an early age.

She tap danced with her sister, Diane, accompanied by their witty professional piano playing mom, Pauline. They also operated a dance studio. Jean married Jim in 1956 and Alaska became their first frontier together. While living in the U.S. Forest Service ranger stations of Idaho and Montana, they raised their three children: Jan, Jimmy and Joe.

During this time, Jean began playing the banjo and the castanets at family gatherings with her mom. She also pursued oil painting creating wonderful local landscapes and still life's. She and Jan also enjoyed water and snow skiing.

Settling in Coeur d’Alene, and then divorced, she established a career in public service. She retired from the Social Security Administration in 2003. Approximately 13 years ago, Jean conquered her addictive demons. She then challenged herself to live life to the fullest. She loved playing bridge earning regional master in the American Contract Bridge League, trading recipes, penny slots, cats and dogs, gardening and world travel.

Within the last couple of years, she learned to play her grandpa’s violin. She also volunteered at the polls on elections, and volunteered at rest areas for the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and handed out snacks to Ironman competitors. She loved being busy with many social clubs such as Rambling Rovers and Lake City Striders. Most of all, she was blessed with many wonderful friends.

She will be remembered by her three children; her caring ex-husband; plus son-in-law, Dave and daughter-in-law, Brenda and five grandchildren; two sisters, Lenore and Dorothy and stepmom Jean and many cousins and nieces and nephews.

A service with memories being shared, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010, in Forest Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to your favorite charity.