Bonners Ferry Class of 1991 celebrates classmate in hospice care
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 2 months AGO
Teresa Skeen, center, is joined by family and classmates from the Bonners Ferry High School Class of 1991 for a surprise reunion.
Photo courtesy of Hospice of North Idaho
COEUR d’ALENE — No amount of time or distance can weaken the bonds of true friendship.
The Bonners Ferry High School Class of 1991 proved that recently when they gathered at Hospice of North Idaho’s Schneidmiller House for a surprise reunion.
Teresa Skeen, 52, is battling terminal cancer. Her prognosis has been challenging, but she’s remained positive, buoyed by the support of family and friends who have visited day and night since she was admitted to hospice care at Schneidmiller House.
She often spoke fondly of her high school years, reminiscing about the close-knit Bonners Ferry community and the cherished friendships she forged at school.
“When we heard about her diagnosis, we knew we had to do something special for her, something that would remind her of how much she means to us,” said Laura, a friend and classmate. “We wanted her to have an end-of-life celebration of her and her life.”
Unbeknownst to Skeen, her classmates worked with Schneidmiller House staff to plan a special celebration.
The plan went off without a hitch Aug. 18, beginning when Skeen entered the gathering space and was greeted by familiar faces and joyful exclamations from her high school friends. Some classmates attended in person, while others appeared virtually.
Classmates shared stories and memories, shedding tears as they celebrated Skeen and her impact on each of their lives.
The celebrants later gathered on Hospice of North Idaho’s campus to take photos together and make heartfelt goodbyes.
“It was a moment of pure joy,” said Megan Ryan, communications specialist with Hospice of North Idaho. “Our goal at the Schneidmiller House is to ensure that our patients experience comfort, dignity and the fulfillment of their final wishes towards the end of life. This reunion was a testament to the strength of friendship and love and the deep bonds that connect us as humans.”
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.