Clarinda Leep, 92 Clarinda Leep, 92

Clarinda Leep, 92, passed away on April 23, 2020, finally getting relief from pain after a long struggle with spinal stenosis. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

She was born in McMinnville, Oregon, and spent her childhood on the north Oregon coast. While living in Pacific City in 1942, a newcomer from Idaho came to town. She was smitten with his adventurous spirit, often going along on his many hikes and explorations. Clarinda married that boy, Richard Leep, in 1946 and they began 60 years of life together.

In 1947, after the birth of their son, they moved to Bozeman where Dick attended Montana State College. They added a baby girl to the family and after graduation, started their trek across the country, following job offers to New Jersey, South Carolina (where they added another daughter to the family), Texas, and New Mexico.

When the Leep home in Los Alamos, N.M., was destroyed by the Cerro Grande Fire in May of 2000, they headed north for a new start. It was a natural migration back to Dick’s ‘hometown’ of Bonners Ferry where they lived together until his passing in 2006. She loved her new home and beautiful property in Paradise Valley and happily remained there for the rest of her life.

She loved gardening, sewing, crafting, and sharing the result of those activities with others. Clarinda was loved by so many people and enjoyed entertaining one and all, many of whom called her Mom. Whether it was an après skiing potluck at home, a picnic with the kids, or birthday dinners for friends and family, she always made gatherings special. She inspired many and loved them all.

Clarinda was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, a brother, two sisters, five nephews and a niece, and just recently her son-in-law, Jim Lublin. She is survived by children Rich (Deb) Leep of Spokane, Suzanne Lublin of Naples, Idaho, and Teri Leep of Bonners Ferry; her sister Golda, nephew Max, and niece Betty Ann, all of Oregon; one grandson, two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons, numerous other nieces and nephews, and many friends and special neighbors.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Layeux at Boundary Community Clinics for her attentive care, Dr. Botkin and the staff at BCH for their care, and Auburn Crest Hospice for their prompt response with preparations to get Clarinda home, even though she didn’t make it back as hoped.

Arrangements are being handled by Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint. Please visit Clarinda’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.