Jean Smith Cecil passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her loving husband October 20, 2016.

Jean was born April 12, 1936, in Anaconda, Mont., to Marge and Robert Smith. Jean has a twin, Jacque, they were youngest of four girls. She was raised in Great Falls, Mont., graduating from Great Falls High School.

Jean attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Cecil, on Dec. 18, 1956. Jean worked to help put Bill through college.

After graduation she travelled with him in the service to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Jean and Bill had two children, Lynne and Jim, born 1961 and 1963. They lived and worked through Montana, North Dakota and Minne-sota.

Jean and Bill started B.J.’s Bike & Ski in 1974 in Brooklyn Park, Minn., and built a successful business servicing bicycles and nordic skis for over 20 years. Jean particularly enjoyed the many friendships developed during that time along with a love of bicycling and cross country skiing.

Jean was always a leader and served on the board to create the MYSL, Minnesota Youth Ski League, which is still thriving in the Twin Cities today.

Jean and Bill retired to Lewistown, Mont., in 1995. Once again, Jean was active in the community, serving on the Art Center board for many years.

One of her passions was drumming which she helped to bring into the schools with her spirited women friends including her sister, Jacque. Jean and her green thumb were instrumental in building a labyrinth in the community garden along with a bronze statue named “The Keeper of Dreams.” This garden brings beauty and peace to anyone who visits it.

Bill, Jacque and Don Knechtges and many others worked tirelessly by her side.

Jean and Bill moved to the beautiful area of Sandpoint, Idaho, in 2007 to be closer to family. Jean settled in quickly, making her new circle of spirited women friends. Jean and Bill volunteered their time and love in the community at The Cottage.

Jean is survived by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Lynne; a son, Jim (Renee); her nieces, Diane (Dick) Andrews, Karen Ellis, Julie Ellis, and Pattee (Jim) Fenn; her granddaughters, Karli, Jesse, and Berit Johnson, and Jacque and Christin Knechtges.

Jean’s smile and kindness touched everyone she came into contact with. Her selfless, loving, open heart and open mind will be missed here on earth. Jean’s bright light continues to shine on all of us that love her.

A family celebration of Jean’s life is being planned on a later date, in summer 2017.