Teresa Martinson, 59

Teresa R. Martinson, 59, of Coeur d’Alene passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Hospice House of North Idaho. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clarence and Peace Chariton, George and Agnes Huck, Clarence Barrett and brother, Thomas. She was born April 10, 1954 in Coeur d’Alene, ID to John and Eleanor (Chariton) Barrett. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High school in 1972 and married Douglas Brown. They had two children, Michelle & Christopher. She was active in coaching youth and collegiate sports. She went back to school and graduated from Gonzaga University in 1985 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in elementary education. Teaching was her passion and she did so until her health forced her to retire in 1997. She taught at Priest River Elementary, Rathdrum Upper Elementary and Garwood Elementary. In 1990 she had a liver transplant due to a rare liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis. In 1993 Teresa married Howard Martinson and gained two stepchildren, Pete and Amy. She was a member of the Spokane Yacht Club. Teresa was secretary and volunteer coordinator at Fresh Start, a homeless day center in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Teresa loved to travel and would spend hours planning trips. In the last few years she visited France, UK, Italy, Spain, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru & Chile – making many friends along the way. She was an avid reader and she loved spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Howard Martinson of Coeur d’Alene; her parents, John and Eleanor Barrett of Coeur d’Alene; siblings, Ron (Trudy) Barrett of Athol, Cheryl (Dave) Scates of Coeur d’Alene and Tim (Denise) Barrett of Phoenix; children, Michelle Brown of Redmond WA, Chris (Mary) Brown of Post Falls, Pete (Katie) Martinson of Post Falls and Amy Cross of Spokane Valley. She loved every minute with her five grandchildren, Laurin, Mattie, Mackenzie, Bria and Jake as well as 13 nieces and nephews. Teresa took a special interest in everyone she met. Only she could love you like a mother, keep your secrets like a true friend and kick your buns if you needed it. We’ll never forget her extraordinary smile, gregarious laugh and feisty personality. The family would like to thank Dr. Rita Snow and Dr. Steve Goodell, her physicians of 25 years. Additional thanks to Hospice House of North Idaho and the medical and nursing staff at Kootenai Health for all of their care and support of Teresa and her family. Donations in memory of Teresa can be made to Fresh Start or Donate Life America. Services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 21, 2013 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene with Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene in care of the arrangements. You may visit Teresa’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com