Margaret Wimpenny, 96

Margaret Monica (Schaff) Wimpenny, 96, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Dec. 1, 2022.

Margaret was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Ryegate, Mont. She was the first of six children born to Ralph and Elizabeth Schaff. She was a ‘farm girl’ there in the coulee for two decades and felt strongly connected to her roots during her entire life. She attended the ’79 Country School (near her father’s ’79 Ranch). This one room schoolhouse was featured in the May 12, 1941, Life magazine with Margaret, her siblings and the other students pictured. She married Michael Schanz — and began rearing a family of her own, having daughters Nina (Dick Black) and Alice (Bob Burton).

In 1953, she moved to Billings, Mont., and completed beauty school. She was a talented hairdresser — cutting many a head of hair throughout her life and always having a glamourous look herself.

In 1957, Margaret relocated to Rosalia, Wash., and married Dr. Gordon Wimpenny, a veterinarian. There, she assisted him in building a large and small animal practice. She was an animal lover her whole life with her earliest memory being the feel of their family dog’s fur to her just 2 year-old-fingers. Her family grew when she and Gordon added three additional children, Patricia (deceased), Robert (Regina) and Donald (Kathy). She continued to assist in the veterinarian care through 1970, when they moved the practice to Coeur d’Alene, establishing a small animal clinic.

Margaret was devoted to her five children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She maintained a beautiful home where the dinner table was always welcoming, serving guests and family venison, fresh caught fish, traditional German dishes passed down through her family and delicious desserts, like Italian prune cookies.

Margaret was passionate about her Catholic faith. A loyal member of the Saint Pius Catholic Church for over 50 years, she devotedly walked each morning to open the church, lead the rosary and serve as an eucharistic minister.

When Margaret had free time, she enjoyed gardening — including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. She loved her roses, particularly favoring the red varieties. She was a talented crocheter. She played the piano and taught several of her family members the basics.

Margaret loved to play bridge, notably achieving the Gold Masters level. Her expert playing skills and sharp memory made her a sought-after partner.

Margaret is preceded in death by husband Dr. Wimpenny, daughter Patricia Wimpenny, sister Marie, brother Valentine and grandson Kyle Wimpenny. Survived by Michael (daughters Chelsey, Megan), Laurie (daughter Marissa), Dawn, Teresa (“Terri”), Monica (daughters Josephine, Adelaide), Benjamin, Sarah (daughters Kayler, Kinley), Erin and Jacob.

Margaret will be missed by her family. Her legacy lives on in them all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho, an organization that reminds us of Margaret’s ministry to the elderly and gratitude for the grace extended to her in her final days. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.