Penny Elizabeth Dionne, 70

June 17, 1955 — July 27, 2025

Penny Dionne, beloved friend, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully July 27, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 70, surrounded by loved ones.

Born to the late Richard T. Childress and Marion C. Childress, Penny spent much of her childhood in Medford, Ore., before graduating from the Milo Academy. Penny’s tenacious spirit and compassionate heart were apparent from an early age, with a special affinity for dogs and horses. 

She loved music and played the guitar. She had an adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors, enjoying hiking, biking and traveling with friends and family. She treasured quiet moments admiring the glimmer of the lake at Higgens Point.

Penny had many professions throughout her life. She worked in plumbing, electrical, horticulture, elementary education, dog training and peer-support counseling, amongst others. She was a respected member of Celebrate Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous with 38 years of sobriety. 

Penny possessed the ability to engage with people on a deeper level, helping each person to feel “seen” and deeply loved. The greatest love of Penny’s life was her savior, Jesus Christ. Those who knew Penny will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, her deep-rooted faith, and her unwavering commitment to forgiveness, spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered.  

She is survived by the mother of her heart, Marlene Childress; her brothers Richard (Julie) and Ted (Paula) Childress; sister Leslie (Don) Sands; numerous nieces and nephews, and more friends than can ever be named.

A celebration of Penny’s life will be held Aug. 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Campus for Real Life Ministries, 1701 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. Please wear blue, her favorite color, to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Companions Animal Center Home, your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, or a local teacher’s classroom.