1915 - 2011

Lucille Sullivan Wimer passed away peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter, Kathleen Martin, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, surrounded by her children and families.

Lucille was born March 31, 1915, in Burbank, S.D. She was the oldest of three children born to Patrick and Mae Sullivan. She attended country school, completing first and second grades in one year, and third and fourth grades in one year.

After the death of her father in a farming accident in 1924, Lucille spent a year with her aunt in Sioux City, Iowa. She then returned to Faulkton, S.D., where she completed her education. During high school, she was active in debate, glee club, drama and basketball.

Lucille went on to take a year of nursing school before transferring to Northern State Teachers College at Aberdeen, S.D. Upon graduation, she taught two years in a one-room country school. She taught all eight grades except for first and fifth, because there were no students for those grades.

Lucille returned to college and earned her intermediate teacher's certification. She taught for four more years before moving to Santa Ana, Calif., to be with her sister, Marjorie. It was while working at the Santa Ana Army Base at Pilot Headquarters that she met Louis Wimer. They were married Feb. 19, 1946, and moved to Louis' hometown of Cottonwood.

While raising their five children, Lucille was very active in community and church affairs. She belonged to the St. Mary's Hospital Guild, and assisted with or chaired fundraising efforts for the Red Cross and cancer and mental health programs. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and Christian Mothers, holding a variety of offices over the years. In 1968, Lucille served as president of the North Central Deanery of the Idaho Council of Catholic Women. She also served as state vice president for two years and then as state president from 1971 through 1973.

Lucille and Louis participated in study clubs, bowling leagues and bridge over the years. They also enjoyed camping, fishing, and trips to the relatives in California and South Dakota. Lucille was an avid gardener, and was known for the flowers she generously donated for church and community events.

In August of 2000, Lucille sold her home in Cottonwood and moved to Boise, where she lived with her daughter, Kathleen (Kate), and was a member of St. John's Cathedral Parish.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her two siblings and her husband, Louis Wimer. She is survived by her children, Dale (Penny) Wimer, Kathleen Martin, Rochelle (Lee) Celmer, Judy (Terry) Lostrom, and Holly Wimer; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood. The rosary will be recited before the funeral Mass. Burial will be at the Cottonwood Cemetery. Arrangements are being made through Uhlorn Funeral Home of Cottonwood.