Mary Irving, 82

Mary Irving passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015. Mary was born on Nov. 5, 1932, to Joseph and Viola Selzler in Velva, N.D., where she lived and grew up.

At age 18 she began teaching elementary school using the lifetime teaching certificate, which she achieved through the state of North Dakota. Mary later received her B.A. degree followed by her master’s degree in special education, permitting her to achieve her dream of being an educator for 43 years. (Twenty years in North Dakota and 23 years at the Lakeland School District in Rathdrum, Idaho.)

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Joe, Eddie, Jim and John; and by her sisters, Carol Ament and Betty Denny.

Survivors include her husband, James Irving of Post Falls, Idaho; and daughter Karla Taft of San Marcos, Calif. She is also survived by her brothers, Lee Selzler of Coeur d’Alene and Leonard Selzler of Liberty Lake, Wash.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. A reception at St. Pius X Catholic Church will follow after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, the local food bank or to a charity of your choice.