Sally Jean Eilering-Sorenson, 74

Sally Jean Eilering-Sorenson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 7. Born on July 29, 1951, in Jacksonville, Ill., to Clarence and Lucille Eilering (Hammond), she grew up in a close‑knit family that shaped her gentle spirit and steady resilience. As one of four siblings, she shared a lifelong bond with Donna Eilering, Susan Eilering, and David Eilering — a connection marked by loyalty, laughter and a lifetime of love. 

Sally attended Routt High School, a parochial school in Jacksonville, where her early love of music first took root and grew into a lifelong passion she pursued with determination and purpose. She studied at North Idaho College and later at Lewis-Clark State College, earning her degree in elementary education with an emphasis in music. She later obtained her Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Creative Arts from Lesley University. 

Her teaching career became a natural extension of her studies and her deep belief in the power of music. From 1997 to 2000, Sally taught elementary music in the Post Falls School District, bringing energy, creativity and a nurturing spirit to every classroom. In 2000, she joined the Coeur d’Alene School District, where she continued teaching elementary music until her retirement in 2018. 

During her years in Coeur d'Alene, Sally helped pioneer the district’s first elementary-level marimba program, opening new musical possibilities for young students. What began as a single‑classroom initiative soon grew into a district‑wide movement. Today, numerous schools across the Coeur d’Alene School District offer marimba programs inspired by the foundation her group helped build. Her vision not only enriched local music education but also created a legacy of rhythm, collaboration and joy that continues to shape students’ lives. 

Sally was also a longtime member of Coeurimba, performing at numerous events and “gigs” throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington. She played with a joy that lit up her expression and brought a lively energy to every note. She treasured the friendships and sense of community she built through the group, finding both connection and fulfillment in sharing music with others. 

Sally married Robert (“Bob”) Sorenson on June 25, 1994, a day marking not only the beginning of their life together but also the blending of two families into one. Sally is survived by her husband, Bob, and their combined family of five daughters and one son: Anna Wilson (Jim), Beth Ross (Greg), Becky Miller (Eric), Sarah Hansen (Matt), Jennifer Barry (Nick), and Keith Sorenson (Jenna). She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren — Tyson, Kalie, Maddie, Kaila, Zofia, Connor, Toriana, Samuel, Charles, Benjamin, Kaelan, Tristan, Owen, Austin, Payton, Lillian, Samantha, Maya, Kallie, Brody and Cooper — and four great‑grandchildren: Jesse, Lily, Everlyn and Wesley. Nothing brought Sally more joy than being surrounded by her growing family. Their home became a place where traditions were shared, laughter was multiplied, and love grew in every direction, reflecting the strength of the family legacy she helped build.

Sally was devoted to her family, and through her love of music, she filled her home with joy, comfort and togetherness. From songs shared around the piano and hymns sung at church to piano lessons with her grandchildren and birthday phone calls where she sang “Happy Birthday,” Sally created memories that will be cherished for generations. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sally’s life Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 3398 Jenalan Ave. in Post Falls. 

To honor Sally’s lifelong passion for music, the family welcomes memorial donations to the EXCEL Foundation in lieu of flowers. Please note the Sally Eilering-Sorenson Music Scholarship in the memo line. Your support will help the next generation of musicians discover their own passion and continue the musical legacy she cherished. 

EXCEL Foundation, P.O. Box 2469, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816.