Zenaida Schmehl was born in Russia on Jan. 4, 1924, and peacefully passed into the hands of her loving Lord Jesus Christ on Oct. 27, 2012.

Zena was raised in Tehran, Iran, where she met her husband, Neil Schmehl, who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Zena and Neil were married in August 1949. They traveled through Europe early in their marriage and after Neil retired from the military they settled in Coeur d’Alene where they raised their five children. Zena was a devoted wife and mother. She was employed for 22 years as a housekeeper at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, originally the North Shore.

Zenaida is cherished by her children and grandchildren, and she cherished her time spent with them and with her many dear friends. Zena lived the last few years of her life at Coeur d’Alene Homes where she was dearly loved. Zena loved taking walks, roses, dancing, ice cream and participating in Christian worship and singing. Zena loved the Lord and saw Him in everyone and everything. In her later years she frequently reminded her children that “the Lord loves all His creation.”

Zenaida was a kind and gentle woman, loving and very considerate of others. She always had a smile and hug for those fortunate to spend time with her.

Zenaida is preceded in death by her son, Jimmie Schmehl and is survived by her children, Molly Haines, Jennie Knutson, Victor Schmehl and Alice Smith; and by two brothers, Teimur (Anatoly) and Serge. She is blessed with five grandchildren, Rebecca and Paul Knutson, Julia, James and Jonathan Schmehl; and three great-grandchildren, Lilly Knutson and Isabella and Elias Schmehl.

A memorial service will be held for Zenaida at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at Coeur d’Alene Homes, 624 W. Harrison Ave., Coeur d’Alene.