Mary J. Kuipers, 86

Mary J. Kuipers

Aug. 11, 1935 - Oct. 28, 2021

Our wonderful mother and friend passed away Oct. 28, 2021. Mary was born in Chicago Ill. She was the third of four children. She married her husband Donald in 1956 and they moved to Spokane when Don's job with Ryerson Steel was transferred to Spokane. Together they raised five children in the Spokane Valley. After her husband retired, they moved to Post Falls, Idaho, and enjoyed their time with family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Mark Kuipers (Brenda), Lynn Singletary (Kenny), Karen Breese, and Peggy Cooper (Pat), six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Kuipers, and her son, Andrew (Andy) Kuipers.

Shortly after her husband passed away in 2011, she became very active in outdoor activities. Swimming was one of her favorite activities. She even took up stand-up paddleboarding on the Spokane River until she was 81.

She bicycled the trails in North Idaho and attended exercise classes at the gym in Post Falls where she made lifelong friends.

Eventually, she and her friends created a breakfast club where they would meet once a month and she always looked forward to those breakfast dates.

She enjoyed working in her yard and attending to her flowers.

Mary's favorite times were the family gatherings that included birthdays, graduations, weddings and holidays. She was fun, cheerful, creative and kind and loved us all!

Her children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and all her friends will miss her smile and lively sense of humor.

A celebration of life Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 6 at St. George's Catholic Church, 2004 N. Lucas St., Post Falls, ID 83854. To see Mary's online memorial and to leave a message for the family please visit englishfuneralchapel.com.