Mary Stevens Named one of 2019's Women of Wisdom

Mary Stevens, our own Bonner County “Energizer Bunny,” is a most deserving recipient of the 2019 Woman of Wisdom award. Mary has lived in Bonner County for 75 years. Married just shy of 15 years of age, Mary she raised four children — two boys and two girls — all of whom live here. She has 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

When her children were young, Mary suffered from tuberculous and had to recover in a hospital in Southern Idaho for seven months. About 20 years ago, she survived breast cancer and now helps others to see that cancer can be overcome.

As a member of the Dover Church and the Oden Busy Bees, Mary makes approximately 30 quilts each year and heads up a project to purchase gifts for those in need at Christmas time. A new adventure is to sew little girls’ dresses and crochet hats that are mailed to needy girls in Appalachia.

Golf is a passion, and with this interest she takes part in organizing an annual golf tournament “Teed Off With Cancer” which supports Sandpoint’s Community Cancer Services. She also promotes and participates in the Elks Lodge junior golf program “Hook a Kid on Golf.” Mary reaches out to children who may not have been able to participate by personally taking them golfing and offering support. Many of her grandchildren have participated in this program, a good time to spend with Grandma.

The Sandpoint Elks Lodge appreciates all of Mary’s dedication to their programs including volunteering at the veterans’ dinners, selling tickets for events, delivering dictionaries to 4th and 5th graders and always being present at the golf tournament fundraisers. It is no surprise that Mary was named the Elks State Volunteer of the Year.

Belinda Wilson of Lake Pend Oreille High School commented on how wonderful Mary is each year as she provides quilts to students and those less fortunate. In addition, Mary has a socks, hats and mittens drive where over 600 items are collected and distributed to students and others in need.

Daughters Cynthia and Becky add there isn’t a friend, neighbor, family member or one in need that Mary wouldn’t help out. She drives people to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, visits to care faculties or anyplace someone may need to go.

Helen Newton writes that Mary’s enthusiasm for promoting and supporting education has been an inspiration to more than one generation. Her husband, Blaine, was a Bonner County School Board member and she supported his activities. Mary also volunteered at the schools. Even with her own children grown, she attends all the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her daughter-in-law Mendy Stevens told the story of the Christmas gift that was given to all the grandchildren and how inspirational it was. Each received $10 and they were instructed to spend the gift buying something for someone less fortunate. The kids had a great time shopping and felt good by helping others. Another year she gave each child a card with nothing inside. She then told them their Christmas gift was to pick an activity they wanted to do with “Grandma Mary.” Some picked baking the favorite rolls or pizza dough. Others wanted to hike and sew quilts for others.

Many people submitted a nomination letter for Mary. The underlying theme was Mary is “Merry”, gracious, energetic and an inspiration to all — the true meaning of love and caring. The perfect Woman of Wisdom!

In addition to Mary Stevens the other Women of Wisdom 2019 honorees include Debbie Ferguson, Kathleen Bordenave, Marilyn Robertson, Mary Jo Ambrosiani and Teri Nickisch . This year’s Women of Wisdom Gala will take place on Saturday, May 11, beginning at 11am with a welcome reception followed by a luncheon and program from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the The Ponderay Events Center.

To be nominated for Women of Wisdom, candidates must be 65 years or older. She possesses vision and achieves goals through collaboration. She exhibits a love of learning through the pursuit of knowledge by study or experience. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and its members, and has had a positive impact, such as in the areas of art, music, theatre, dance, sports, education and service. She demonstrates dedicated leadership that results in admiration and respect from others. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women. She faces life’s challenges with grace and courage, and lives with dignity, integrity and honor.

The 2019 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants, Robin Bianco, Kathy Chambers, Kathy Conger, Barbara Eacret, Deanna Harris, Alana Hatcher, Patty Hutchens, Julie Jurenka, Pat Lewis, Debbie Love, Sally Lowry, Leslie Marshall, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Marilyn Sabella, Tina Sleyster, Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue and Linda VanDellen.