Sharon Lenore Jenicek, 71

Sharon Lenore Jenicek, 71, passed away at her home above Swan Lake on March 16, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born to Morris and Cora (Culp) Torgerson on July 25, 1944, in Spokane, Wash. Sharon and her family lived in several locations in California and the Silver Valley, Idaho, when she was a child. She graduated with the class of 1966 from Kellogg High School.

On Dec. 30, 1961, Sharon married Larry Jenicek in Kellogg, Idaho, and the couple started their family. Sharon and Larry bought their first home in Pinehurst in 1967. In 1976, the couple designed and built their dream home on Jenicek Mountain overlooking Swan Lake. On Jenicek Mountain, they continued raising their sons. It is also where she devoted her time to caring for family and friends, and enjoying fellowship, and cooking many meals for the returning hunting parties.

Some of Sharon’s interests included Home Room Mother-School, BSA-Den Mother Asst., local election volunteer, sewing, landscaping, gardening and interior design. She also belonged to Healing Room Ministries in Spokane. Her most honed skills were those of baking, especially breads, and then candy making. If you received any of these from her, you were lucky, because the rest of the family obviously didn’t know they were leaving the mountain!

Mom loved to travel. She was able to go to Ireland and she and Larry spent many times on the West Coast, but their favorite place was Astoria, Ore.. She absolutely loved lighthouses.

Sharon will be remembered as one of the most loving and selfless people that we know. She exuded God’s unconditional love and never gave up on those who were struggling or did not know their value in Christ. Her hugs were awesome. Her words were encouraging. Her smile was soothing and her laugh was infectious.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Larry, at the family home; sons and daughters-in-law Lenny and Linda Jenicek of Bryan, Texas, Jamie and Sherrie Jenicek of Post Falls, Idaho, and Todd and Maria-Cristina Jenicek of Post Falls. She is also survived by her sisters, Judith Nickelby of Smelterville, Idaho, Connie (Kevin) Crawford of Pinehurst, Idaho, Pam (Greg) Grayson of Middleton, Mass., and Torrie (Jeff Hopkins) Coker of Kingston, Idaho; eight grandchildren (William, Preston, Michael, Sarah Rose, Gabriel, Kyle, Tyler and Mariah Rae); five great-grandchildren (one more on the way), 12 nieces and six nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the St. Maries Assembly of God Church, with food and Fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, Sharon wanted to create a family and friend bouquet, so the family asks for each person attending the service to bring a single stem of their favorite flower for the bouquet. Because of Sharon’s childhood memories, and her heart to always bring people joy and laughter, memorials are suggested toward helping bring home the Coeur d’Alene Carousel back to the City Park. Contributions can be made at www.cdacarousel.com, and please make note “In Memory of Sharon Jenicek.”

Our family wants to send a great big hug and loves to the tremendous team at River City Hospice — you are now part of our family!

Please visit her online memorial at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.