Bonners Ferry Class of 1991 celebrates classmate in hospice care

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.”