Lidwina Dirne made a difference

COEUR d’ALENE - Lidwina Dirne, founder of Dirne Community Health Center, died Monday. She was 97.

Dirne, who began the organization in 1986 after immigrating to the Inland Northwest from the war-torn Netherlands, died peacefully with friends and family by her side.

Those who knew her described Dirne as a visionary leader whose passion for serving will be remembered by the community she strove to help.

“She was, and is, a saint,” said Lisa Benscheidt, a friend of Dirne’s for 20 years through their church, St. Pius X. “Her vision and perception on what was needed in the community and how to bring it about was a miracle … Read more . Tom Hasslinger, Cda Press

An amazing woman who left a lasting legacy.