Jeanne Marie (Boughton) Bemis, 57, of Coeur d'Alene, passed away May 19, 2011 at her home. She was born May 22, 1953 in Coeur d'Alene to Robert and Lillian (Holser) Boughton and raised in Coeur d'Alene. As a toddler she was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church, and continued on to be an Elder there. She attended Harding Elementary and Lakes Junior High. She graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1971 after competing on the debate team and having been crowned Junior Miss. In 1975 she completed undergraduate training at the University of Idaho, going on to a Master's program in Interior Design and Architecture.

In 1973, she was married to her high school sweetheart, Brice Bemis. During their life together she spent countless hours as a volunteer on public projects, raising money for community activities, and as a member of the Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Board. Her professional life included building her own interior design business and being recognized with one of the region's only National Certificates for Interior Design.

As her career progressed to include becoming an instructor at NIC, her private clients benefited from her focus on how to most cost-effectively remodel their home. She truly loved her job.

Personally Jeanne kept alive many friendships that she'd had for a lifetime, including a book club of old friends that met once a month to laugh and (sometimes) discuss story lines. She was a wonderful friend and listener who touched the lives of many people with flowers, food, and her special knack for caring for others.

Despite her busy professional, social, spiritual, and volunteer life, Jeanne's proudest achievement was raising her 4 children. As matriarch she was the cornerstone of her family - making lunches, attending soccer tournaments, correcting calculus homework. She expected hard work and showered her family with love in reward. Last week, she said goodbye after bravely battling brain cancer for two years.

Jeanne is survived by her husband of almost 38 years, Brice; daughters, Brooke and Brynn; son, Brandon and wife, Rachel; son, Brock and wife, Lexie; grandsons, Kahrs and Anders; mother, Lillian Boughton; brother, Bob Boughton and wife, Chris; sisters, Barbara Dennis and husband, Dale and Beverly Perry and husband, Mike; and many nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was a consistent supporter of the preservation of Coeur d'Alene and its natural, unadulterated beauty. The family prefers memorial contributions in her name to the Tubbs Hill Foundation. Her service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d'Alene with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. Please visit Jeanne's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.