There is no doubt that Rose Chaney is a deserving recipient of the 2018 Women of Wisdom lifetime achievement award. A Sandpoint native, Rose has given of her time and talent over the years serving to help make Sandpoint a better place. And she has succeeded.

Rose was born and raised in Bonner County, leaving only to receive her training as a dental hygienist at the University of Oregon. She worked in dentistry for many years and after she lost her husband to cancer she continued to work while raising her daughter.

She met and married her second husband and together they purchased a Sandpoint real estate company where Rose worked as a Realtor, real estate broker and land developer.

Over the course of the past several decades, Rose has unselfishly given back to her hometown in a variety of ways through her work and volunteer efforts, something she continues to do today.

According to Barbara Eacret, who was one of many who nominated Rose for the honor, Rose has been an active participant in Bonner County throughout her life. She volunteers at the library assisting people with computer skills, and each election can be found manning a polling station throughout the day. Much of her volunteer time is spent at Bizarre Bazaar for Community Assistance League. “She is an incredible asset to the operation of our shop in so many ways,” wrote Eacret.

Helen Newton also praises Rose for her dedication to Bizarre Bazaar as well as the Sandpoint Library. As a “worker bee” she is a leader in the sense that she provides inspiration to others and sets an example for future generations. Newton also shared that Rose is a breast cancer survivor who fought the disease with courage, grace, dignity and determination—something which has provided inspiration to others.

Rose’s friend Joyce Spiller shares that Rose at one time served on the planning and zoning board for the City of Sandpoint. “You can look about anywhere in Sandpoint and see Rose’s footprints,” wrote Joyce in her letter of nomination, echoing a friend’s observation. But Rose’s generosity goes beyond volunteering for groups in the area. “Over the years, I have seen her kindness to less fortunate young adults as she gave them guidance for housing, transportation and job opportunities,” said Spiller. “Life has had its setbacks, too, but you won’t hear about them from Rose. She lives with a quiet dignity, embracing life by giving to others.”

With 45 years and counting on the Bonner County Election Board, Connie Church said Rose has also worked diligently with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and other private and state agencies on the Implementation Plan for Water Quality and Pollutant Reduction for Cocolalla Lake, Cocolalla Creek and Hoodoo Creek.

Rose’s love of reading, travel and continuing education has been something that has been a constant throughout her life. “This has resulted in her expertise in a variety of subjects including geology, anthropology, archeology, astrophysics and particle physics,” wrote Connie.

One thing all agree upon is that Rose Chaney is generous beyond words and is always willing to help anyone in need. Perhaps Connie summed it up best when she said, “She (Rose) cares deeply for her family, friends, neighbors and Sandpoint. She has faced life’s challenges with grace and courage and lives with dignity, integrity and honor.”

Thank you, Rose, for all you have done for Sandpoint and beyond!

In addition to Rose, the other Women of Wisdom 2018 honorees include Terri Albertson, Helen Newton, Jennifer Leedy and Loris Michael. This year’s Women of Wisdom Gala will take place on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 11am with a welcome reception followed by a luncheon and program from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Columbia Bank Events Center, 414 Church Street in Sandpoint.

To be nominated for Woman of Wisdom, candidates must be 65 years or older. She possesses vision and achieves goals through collaboration. She exhibits a love of learning through the pursuit of knowledge by study or experience. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and its members, and has had a positive impact, such as in the areas of art, music, theatre, dance, sports, education and service. She demonstrates dedicated leadership that results in admiration and respect from others. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women. She faces life’s challenges with grace and courage, and lives with dignity, integrity and honor.

The 2018 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants, Robin Bianco, Kathy Chambers, Kathy Conger, Barbara Eacret, Deanna Harris, Alana Hatcher, Patty Hutchens, Julie Jurenka, Pat Lewis, Debbie Love, Sally Lowry, Laurie Mattila, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Marilyn Sabella, Tina Sleyster, Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue and Linda VanDellen.