Donna Conery, 73

Donna Conery was born in Missoula, Mont., on Oct. 30, 1948, to Richard and Maxine Smith. She was the youngest of seven children. She and her brothers and sisters were raised in Cusick, Wash. She and older brother Lawrence continued to hold a close bond throughout his life.

Donna married Patrick Conery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, settling in Hayden, where they raised their three busy boys. She was a devoted wife and mother. When it came to Pat and the boys, her needs always came last. Many of Pat’s friends would comment on how “spoiled” he was because of the way that Donna took care of him. She and Pat made a great team, unified and aligned in their beliefs and ideals about raising their sons. For those that Donna held close, she was a fierce and loyal advocate and showed no fear when standing up for any perceived injustice. She may have been small in stature, but huge in her ability to get to the bottom of any problem. Something that all of the boys knew too well!

Family was important to Donna and she was very proud of her sons and their families; Todd (Betsy), Jamie (Kelly) and Joe (Sandra) Conery. She was a grandmother to seven; Amberlee (Zach) Honsaker, Grant, Katelyn, Carson, Shawna, Patrick and Abigail Conery. She was also a great-grandmother to two: Raegan and Austin Honsaker.

Donna worked hard and was a faithful employee to those that she worked for. She could be found waiting in the parking lot an hour or more before her shift started so she did not risk being late for work. Because of her dedication to the work force, she continued to work throughout her retirement years — even against her family’s wishes for her to slow down and relax more.

She was very much loved and will be missed greatly by her family. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrick Conery, of 42 years.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Kootenai Health, Hospice of North Idaho and Bellevue Health for their exceptional care and compassion in preserving our loved one’s dignity.

Funeral service for Donna will be at 10 a.m Friday, May 13, at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d'Alene at 744 N. Fourth St. Visitation will be Thursday, May 12, 5-7 p.m., all at Yates Funeral Home. Burial will be at Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa, Wash.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com