Lidwin Lidwina Dirne, 97
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 12 years, 6 months AGO
After living a long life of service to others, Lidwin “Lidwina” Dirne passed away peacefully June 10th, 2013 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Born in the Netherlands Feb. 13, 1916, she survived the dangers and “hunger years” of World War II living in Southern Holland. She earned a degree in education in Holland and subsequently joined the Catholic Lay organization, The Secular Institute of Mary of the Annunciation. She later received a master’s degree in religious studies from Loyola University in Chicago.
Ms. Dirne came to the United States in 1971 to set up a religious studies program when the Catholic parishes of Coeur d’Alene closed their schools. She became a U.S. citizen in 1977. During her time here she formed many support groups, led Bible studies and was a founding member of the interfaith group Diakonia; all while remaining active in her parish, St. Pius X.
Her concern for a friend’s lack of insurance coverage moved her to bring together a group of dedicated volunteers to create a community health care clinic. Lake City Health Care opened in 1985 with one volunteer doctor, but rapidly grew. In 1999 the facility was renamed the Dirne Community Health Center in her honor.
In 2006, Ms. Dirne was recognized by Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne with a Community Brightest Star Award. She received the President’s Medallion from the University of Idaho in 2008 and was honored as a Woman Of Distinction by Soroptomists International of Coeur d’Alene, all honors she cherished.
Lidwin is survived by her sisters in Faith; Ans Clausen, Karine Rietjen and Joyce Twardy.
She also leaves behind nieces and nephews (and their children) in the Netherlands: Hans and Astrid de Kroon-Soren (Joris), Rob and Areli de Kroon, Cor and Gonny de Kroon–Thieme (Marjolijn and Gijs), Jef Bückers (Daphne, Anouk and Jorn), Ad and Ria Houtepen–van Ginneken (Ulrich and Dietrich), Marian Thielen–Houtepen, Mieke and Wil van den Oever–Dirne (Robert), Marion Dirne (Boris and Kevin), Frank and Cuuk Dirne–de Nijs (Michael and Wendy) and Bart Dirne (Jolien and Hans).
In addition, there are many who considered her to be a part of their family. She became close friends with so many people including her beloved compatriots in the Mustard Seed and the members of her Wednesday Bible Study group.
To those of you who knew Lidwina or whose life was touched by her compassion, we thank you for sharing yourself with her and she would want you to know that you are forever etched into her heart.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday June 15, 2013 at 1 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. The public is invited to attend. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Lidwina’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com