Mary Therese Zabinski

Mary passed away on June 6, 2018 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born on September 30, 1930 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Joseph Rennie and Bertha Stock, as the 9th child of 10.

She had the German “can do attitude” --the German way: “you do what you have to do-no wavering or questions. Mary was a head-strong, very independent soul.

In 1969 Mary and her husband moved their six children from Minnesota to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Shortly thereafter they were divorced and Mary moved to Post Falls where she raised her children: Thomas, Jane, Jeff, Nancy, Joyce and Roger.

Mary was a very strong and healthy woman, gentle with a sense of humor. She loved birds but hummingbirds were her favorite. And she loved flowers. She was a great gardener, having canned most any type of vegetable and fruit there was. She baked the most delicious chocolate cakes. In her spare time (hah, hah) she worked puzzles, played cards, was an avid bowler winning awards, and biked with her children.  

Her can-do attitude enabled her to do an amazing job raising 6 children on her own. Her children were her focal point and central to her life, loving her children very much. Mary did without so her children could have what they needed. She provided a home, clothes, food, bikes, Christmas and birthdays, and the like.

Mom was famous for saying such things as:  A little goes a long way—you do not need much; rely on God, not on yourself; look, listen and learn; common sense is as good as book sense; and that (whatever it may be) is a seed for the future.

Mary is survived by her son Thomas Zabinski, Post Falls, Idaho; daughter Jane Severin and spouse Kermit, grandsons Joshua and Jason Hutchison, all of Friday Harbor, Washington; son Jeff Zabinski and spouse Brenda, granddaughter Allison Zabinski of Spokane, Washington; daughter Nancy Zabinski  of Post Falls, Idaho;  daughter Joyce Morales of Post Falls, Idaho; and son Roger Zabinski and spouse Mary, and granddaughters Aina and Kate Zabinski of Silverdale, Washington. She is also survived by her brother Norbert Rennie, and sisters Annella (Nel) Pfannenstein and Dorothy Roske of Minnesota.

She is predeceased by her Father Joseph Rennie, Mother Bertha Stock, sister Bernadette Roske, and brothers Lawrence Rennie, Arthur Rennie, and Jerome Rennie.

At death, she can again be that independent soul, eyes seeing clearly, able to walk with ease and strength. Mary can now visit her mother, someone she lost when she was only 8 years old, and her father and siblings.

Mom, forever in our hearts, we love you.