No headline

‘Pinky’ Edwina Brockway, 83

“Pinky” Edwina Brockway went to be with the Lord on Jan. 16, 2018. Born in Rockaway, N.J., on Aug. 27, 1934, to John and Gertrude List. She had two feisty brothers, Billy List of Many, La., and Bobby List (deceased), and a little sister, Pat (Rich) Thorn of Lunenburg, Mass. She began dating and then married Dan Brockway Sr. in April 1953. The young family proceeded to have three children, Dan (Marie) Brockway, Jr. of Post Falls, Idaho, Diann Brockway of Hayden Lake, Idaho, and Debbie (Johnny) Bravo of Post Falls. She had five grandchildren, Brian, Dana, Stacie, Savannah and Cameron; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of her life!

As a child in Rockaway, Pinky enjoyed a loving, yet, protective upbringing attending a Catholic parochial grade school. The family moved to Woodport, on Lake Hopatcong, N.J., where she finished grade school in a two-room schoolhouse before going on to Roxbury High School in Succasunna, N.J. She graduated in 1952. Her kids remember, with a smile, Mom singing a saucy little limerick that began, “we are the Roxbury girls, we wear our hair in curls...”

A graceful and talented ice skater and rhythmic tap dancer, Pinky had many friends growing up who shared many fond and humorous memories. In fact, it was while ice skating with her brother, Bill, that she met his friend, Dan, in Lake Hopatcong.

During high school, Pinky worked in the office at David Denier (MacGregor Sportswear) while Dan went into the Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, they married and bought a bungalow in Woodport, where they created a home for their growing family. Pinky was always supportive of Dan’s path to higher education, which gave way to his blossoming career in metallurgical engineering. While she continued honing her skills in bookkeeping, her passion and first priority was her family. She was a most dedicated wife and mother throughout their years together. Raising three active children, she established and maintained a stable home and became the rock for the entire family.

A pioneering and adventurous spirit led the couple and their family away from the East Coast and the rest of their families. Always a new adventure, new culture and new friends, they found themselves living in New York, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and California, eventually landing in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Soon after coming to Idaho, Pinky met Karen Ballard, her closest friend with whom she shared many cherished memories. The coastal living and beach lifestyle of Florida, however, always held her heart; she loved the ocean!

Ultimately, Danny, Diann and Debbie all moved to the Coeur d’Alene area and raised their own families. Pinky was overjoyed with the addition of each grandchild, great and great-great-grandchild. They lit up her life! They have been so fortunate to have spent much time with their Grandma Pinky, eating ice cream, singing silly songs and just enjoying her playful spirit.

She became ill in July 2017, diagnosed with rapidly progressing lymphoma. In spite of the painful treatment and visits to the ER, she handled the illness with grace. Pinky made a positive impact on those taking care of her in her worst days by offering a smile, a word of thanks or a simple joke. Her final day was spent at Schneidmiller Hospice House, and as she took her last breath, she was surrounded by her loving family.

Forever in our hearts, we love you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Schneidmiller Hospice House on behalf of “Pinky” Brockway.

The family will host a celebration of life for Pinky at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Lake City Community Church. All who knew her are welcome.