Margaret Wimpenny

Margaret Monica (Schaff) Wimpenny, 96, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on December 1, 2022. Margaret was born on February 6, 1926, in Ryegate, Montana. 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, Montana and completed beauty school. She was a talented hairdresser— cutting many a head of hair throughout her life and always having a glamorous look herself.

In 1957, Margaret relocated to Rosalia, Washington 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 two 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, ten 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.

 Services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E Haycraft Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID. The rosary will begin at 9:30 am with the mass starting at 10 am.