Jenny Marie Sheffield, 40

On May 23, 2020, Jenny Marie Sheffield’s spirit joined those she loved who journeyed before her.

Jenny was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Oct. 29, 1974, to her parents Becky and Gary Shields, of Coeur d’Alene. After graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1993, she went on to North Idaho College for her associate’s degree, Lewis and Clark University for her Bachelor’s in social work, Eastern Washington University for her Master of Social Work, and finished to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Knowing she wanted to impact the lives of individuals, families and her communities, she worked in programs that would allow her the opportunity to use the many tools she had learned. She became a mentor to many in her life and especially her peers at High Roads. Recently, she met one of her lifelong dreams by beginning Positive Vibes Counseling so that she could reach young children and their families.

You could capture the sunshine in Jenny’s smile when she was telling the story of the three most important days of her life: meeting her husband, Nathan Sheffield, in 1992 while he was cruising Sherman Avenue in a Miata; joining in the partnership of marriage in 1998; and finally, with the birth of Gracie Marie in 2006.

Jenny touched so many lives with her caring, empathy, nurturing and nonjudgmental manner. Her friends have described her as pure love, who didn’t only believe in magic — but was magic. Her beautiful blue eyes were the magic for Nathan.

Just a few of the words used by her family and friends when describing their love for Jenny were love, kindness, integrity, loyal, hugger, best friend, beautiful mother, caring daughter, supportive sister, positive influence for women, and especially, a passionate fan of James Taylor. It made Jenny’s heart sing to watch Gracie blossom into such a beautiful young woman and she especially loved being part of Gracie’s fan club at her fastpitch softball games.

Jenny is survived by her husband of 21 years, Nathan Sheffield; their daughter, Gracie Marie; her parents, Becky Shields of Coeur d’Alene and Gary Shields of Coeur d’Alene; mother and father-in-law, Trudy and Art Elliott and her grandmother, Harvella Fletcher (Bebe); her brothers, Tony Shields (Amber Meadows and their children); Scott and Trent Shields (and their families); Nathan’s brothers, Colin Sheffield (Kate Whalen) and Arthur Elliott IV (Tyana); Nathan’s sisters, Maliena Sheffield, Barbara May (Rich) and Kristen Elliott; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thank you to Hospice Schneidmiller House for their compassionate care, as well as to all her friends who have been angels to her family with their love and support.

How blessed we all are to have Jenny touch our lives in so many beautiful ways. We will miss you, Jenny, but we know that you are sharing your sunshine wherever you travel.

A celebration of Jenny’s life is being planned for late August, and Nathan will place a notification with the specific date and location on Facebook.