CLARINDA LEEP April 23, 2020

Clarinda Leep, 92, passed away on April 23, 2020, finally getting relief from pain after a long struggle with spinal stenosis.

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 sixty 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 their home in Los Alamos was destroyed by the Cerro Grande Fire in May of 2000, the Leeps headed north for a new start. It was a natural migration back to Dick’s ‘hometown’ of Bonners Ferry, Idaho 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 is survived by children Rich (Deb) Leep of Spokane, Suzanne Lublin of Naples, Idaho, and Teri Leep of Bonners Ferry; her sister Golda of Oregon; one grandson, two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Arrangements are being handled by Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint, Idaho. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.