Chandra 'Channy' Ashley Young DeMarco, 46

Chandra Ashley Young DeMarco, known to almost everyone as Channy, passed away peacefully Jan. 24, 2026, surrounded by love. 

Born on Aug. 2, 1979, Chandra lived a life that was vibrant, loving and unmistakably bright. She had a smile that lit up rooms, an energy that drew people in and a presence that made life feel a little lighter just by being near her.

At the very center of Channy’s world was family. She was a devoted and loving mother, a fiercely loyal wife, and the heart of her home. Her love was steady, joyful and unconditional. She had a way of showing up fully, whether that meant cheering from the sidelines, listening with her whole heart or simply being present.

Channy’s joy spilled far beyond her family. She had a gift for making people feel instantly comfortable, whether they were lifelong friends or complete strangers. Conversations with her came easily. Laughter followed naturally. Her warmth was contagious, and her smile, often paired with a little sparkle in her eyes, had a way of making people feel like they belonged.

A passionate trainer, coach and athlete, Channy left a lasting mark on the fitness community. She embraced being healthy as part of her daily life, helping others build confidence, move with purpose and find joy in their own strength. She cheered loudly, believed deeply in others and created spaces where people felt capable and celebrated. True to her spirit, Channy continued coaching, training and encouraging right up until just weeks before her passing.

Channy lived with intention, compassion, and grace. Baptized in 2020, she reaffirmed her connection to the Catholic Church, though for Channy, faith was never about words. It was about how she lived. She practiced love out loud, kindness on purpose, and humility in a way that made people feel safe, seen, and cared for. Her faith showed up in her actions, her empathy, and her unfailing belief in the goodness of people. Even in the face of immense challenges, Channy remained grounded, resilient and outwardly focused. Her strength was quiet but powerful, her courage steady, her kindness effortless. She carried herself with grace and kept offering light even on the hardest days.

Channy was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald Short and Kathryn Short. She is survived by her loving husband, Christian DeMarco; her children, Chase and Cooper Young and their father and stepmother, Casey and Cassie Young; her stepson, Preston DeMarco; her brother, Brandon Short; and a huge, devoted circle of friends who all thought they were her favorite.

Channy lived fully, loved deeply and sparkled unapologetically. And if there is a gym in heaven, there is no doubt she is already there, running a ChannyFit glutes class, smiling that beautiful smile, cheering everyone on, and making sure every single person feels strong, welcome and seen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a fund for her boys’ future, accessible here: www.gofund.me.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. A reception will follow the mass at noon at CrossFit Coeur d’Alene, 301 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. To celebrate Channy’s joy for life, please wear pink or other bright colors to the service.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Channy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.