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Chris Twardowski, 67

Chris Ann Twardowski, cherished wife and “sweetie” to Frank Twardowski, died peacefully on May 27, 2018 due to complications of a stroke.

Chris was born in Chicago, Ill. on March 10, 1951, to Richard and Cecilia Diemer. She grew up in Lockport, Ill., graduated from Mount Assisi Academy, and went on to earn her associate of liberal arts from Joliet Junior College. On April 17, 1971, Chris married the love of her life, Frank, and the two spent 47 years together; partners until the end. In 1973, the couple moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with their young son, Russ, where they opened a taxidermy business and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Danae. After an adventurous five years in Alaska, they returned to the lower 48 and moved their young family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. There they ran the Turner Bay Store and welcomed their third and last baby, Jacob. Chris and Frank opened Cd’A Taxidermy in 1978, and ran the business together for the rest of her days.

Family stood as the cornerstone of Chris’s life. ‘Gram,’ as she was affectionately known, was a devoted mom and a grandma. She relished her time with her grandkids, and always dived right into the action. Gram had a way of turning an ordinary moment into a remarkable one, and leaves behind a treasure of memories of kite flying, beach combing, bird hunting, storytelling and Scrabble-playing. Getting dirty never bothered Gram, and her grandchildren felt free to explore, try new things and make a mess.

Chris thrived most at home on the farm where they had ducks, rabbits, pigs, cows, peacocks and chickens. She frequently had a set of chicks in the works, be them under a hen or in an incubator. She delighted in her garden plants and flowers, and eagerly awaited the blooming of her favorite geraniums and lilacs. She enjoyed tending her raspberry bushes, producing a bumper crop each summer that she shared with family and friends. The grandkids looked forward to picking, eating and helping Gram make “Gram Jam” each summer.

The term ‘Renaissance Woman’ aptly applies to Chris, as her talents and breadth of knowledge never ceased to impress. She is a nationally recognized watercolor artist, and a member of numerous art associations. She earned Signature status in both the Idaho Watercolor Society and Montana Watercolor Society, and the Distinguished Merit Artist status from the Idaho Watercolor Society in 2016. Her love of painting was enhanced by the fact that she shared it with her best friend, Bobbie. The two dear friends took frequent road trips to regional watercolor conferences, art shows and photo-taking adventures in pursuit of inspiration for the next masterpiece.

Her artistic flair transcended to all parts of her life. She was imaginative, crafty and resourceful. She could turn a cow tank into a farm-style swimming pool, animal hides into a Halloween costume, bubble wrap into interactive wrapping paper and adapt any recipe to the ingredients she had on hand. All of these creative ideas will be passed down in the spirit of Martha Mae. She served as the family ‘saver,’ holding on to items of all kinds for future use. Bird cage, rabbit hutch, playpen, you name it ... Gram probably had one. If ever accused of eccentricity, she’d merely smile and say, “I’m an artist...”

Chris was blessed with a gift for gab, making her a favorite to sit with at any gathering. She was well-versed in many subjects, be it art, wildlife, botany, theater, astronomy, pop culture or a recent Netflix series; Chris fit right into any conversation. She was funny, upbeat and sought the silver-lining in every experience.

Chris will be sadly missed and forever remembered. She is survived by her husband, Frank; son, Russ Twardowski and his wife, Sandy; daughter, Danae Ferriola and her husband, Mike; and son, Jacob Twardowski and his wife, Kaitlin. She is also survived by her siblings and siblings-in-law, Ron and Nicki Twardowski of California; John and Sherron Twardowski of Alaska; Rosalie Jacobs of Coeur d’Alene; Christine Lee of Illinois; Rick Diemer and Sharron Hays of Florida; Jim and Pam Diemer of Texas; Larry Diemer of Post Falls, Idaho; Jerry Diemer of Hayden, Idaho; George and Nancy Diemer of Illinois.; her mother, Cecilia Diemer; her mother-in-law, “Busi;” her six beloved grandchildren, Lily Ferriola, Ellen Midgley, Frankie Ferriola, Joseph Biondo, Jacob Twardowski Jr. and Jase Twardowski. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Arrangements for a private celebration of Chris’s life have been made. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her and offered emotional support during her last days, especially Marta. Online condolences can be left at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene ID, 83815.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.