Women Honoring Women Names Jennifer Leedy as a Woman of Wisdom for 2018

By Patty Hutchens

With a generous spirit, a humble attitude and endless energy, Jennifer Leedy has given of her time and talent over the years, and in doing so has made a difference in the Sandpoint community.

One would find it difficult to find a long-standing non-profit organization or fundraiser that Jennifer has not been a part of. She has played an integral role for the Festival at Sandpoint, Lost in the 50s, Bonner Community Food Bank, Panhandle Animal Shelter, the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Kinderhaven, The Follies and Downtown Business Association just to name a few.

But it is also the behind the scenes things she does that go unnoticed that have especially moved people to nominate her for one of this year’s Women of Wisdom. It’s a lifetime achievement award of which Jennifer is definitely deserving of.

“To me, it’s the small things Jennifer has done to enrich our community,” wrote Linda Hess. Among those things are words of encouragement to others, taking young real estate agents under her wing to help them be successful, offering people places to live who are going through difficult times, helping care for a friend’s elderly mother and more.

Jennifer has been a vibrant member of the Sandpoint community for more than 30 years and has worked at everything from waitressing, to housekeeping, to starting a preschool before she went on to become a real estate agent.

“She started her life in Sandpoint as a single mother working long hours, but you’ll rarely hear anything about hard times. Instead, she’ll tell you about her two wonderful daughters and her happy marriage…She doesn’t spend a lot of time tooting her own horn,” said Jennifer’s sister-in-law, Nancy Leedy.

An observation made by Jennifer’s co-worker, Sydney Icardo, is that when Jennifer volunteers her time, she takes the lead by troubleshooting and finding creative ways to get the most out of the time, resources and the team she works with. And her zest for learning is inspiring. “I have never seen her shy away from a subject,” said Sydney.

Even through providing care for her late husband through his fight against cancer, Jennifer always kept a positive attitude and a sense of humor while doing all she could to care for him. “She is the most inspiring woman I have ever met,” said Sydney.

While Jennifer does things with a positive attitude and smile, she also does so humbly and behind the scenes. “Jennifer has quietly, and with not a bit of fanfare, donated time and money to such not for profits as Kinderhaven and Relay for Life,” said Barb Merritt. “Community Cancer Services has relied on Jennifer to give rides to clients that might have to go to Coeur d’Alene or Spokane for treatments. And guess what? Those clients enjoy the ride with the ever-smiling, ever-positive, ever-inspiring Jennifer Leedy.”

Barb also comments on the role Jennifer has played in Jennifer’s daughters’ lives as well as her grandchildren, saying she has been an incredible inspiration to all of them.

Jennifer has also been described as a “foodie” who has used her talent to benefit the Bonner General Health Foundation’s Heart Ball Dessert Auction and has cooked dinners for those who are sick and delivered dinner to them.

Jennifer’s friend, Donna Deshon, stated that, “Jennifer is not only kind and giving, but she exudes the quality of compassion.”

Thank you, Jennifer, for all you have done for the community of Sandpoint!

In addition to Jennifer, the other Women of Wisdom 2018 honorees include Rose Chaney, Terri Albertson, Helen Newton 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.