Jeanne Amsden, 63

Jeanne Amsden, 63, passed away March 22, 2010, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene. She is better known to friends and family as Jeanne Shephard and Jeanne D’Arrigo. She was born Dec. 12, 1946, to Francis J. Mikalauskas and Margaret J. Thompson in Boston, Mass.

She was raised in Norwalk, Calif., by her mother and the only father she truly knew, N.J. Shephard. She spent most of her life in Norwalk with friends she had known since childhood, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She enjoyed high school and was on the Drill Team.

She married James D’Arrigo in 1965 and had their only child Alice the following year. They stayed in Norwalk raising their daughter just a few doors down from her parents, and the house she grew up in. She had a career working in the insurance industry until she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. After coming to grips with her her debilitating illness and lack of independence, she was able to keep her spirits up and never complained. Always smiling in the face of adversity and overcoming anything that was thrown her way. Television, food (especially dessert) and her grandchildren gave her the will to live.

Those who knew her understood the severity of her illness, and the struggles and the pain she endured daily. Even though she is finally released from those struggles and pain, we wish she was still here with us. In 2004, she moved to Coeur d’Alene with her mother and daughter’s family.

She is survived by her daughter, Alice (D’Arrigo) Westray; husband Matt Westray and their children, Shelby and Jack of Coeur d’Alene.

She will also be remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James D’Arrigo; father N.J. (Jay) Shephard and her mother, Margaret (Peg) Shephard.

Cremation is being handled by English Funeral Chapel and there will be no services at this time. Please sign Jeanne’s guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Mom,

If there is a HEAVEN, you can now walk

Your mind will work better and it’ll make sense when you talk

Running, jumping, skating simple things you couldn’t do

I wish I knew the reason they were taken away from you

You will have no pain or struggles, and suffered not in vain

And even though I’m left here you would want me to stay sane

With your mom and dad, in heaven’s smoking lounge

Talking to our family and friends who hadn’t been around

You never stopped believing and never ever blamed

You set a great example and I hope we do the same

I hope there is a GOD, that I wish is true

Held inside of loving arms, after all that you’ve been through

I Love You,

Alice