Obituary of Mary Frances McIntosh

Mary (Mitzi) McIntosh, 87, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2023. A memorial service will be held on June 17, 2023 at 11am at the Bell Tower Funeral Home: 3398 E. Jenalan Ave, Post Falls, Idaho 83854. Mary was born July 10, 1935 to Frank and Mary Starman in Rock Springs, Wyoming. As a child the family moved to Homedale, Idaho where she started school. While in school she was very active in sports where she played basketball and softball and was awarded the Babe Ruth Award. In school she became very close friends with Donna Haylett, Shirley Norton, and Hal and Judy Tolmie. They remained friends for the remainder of their lives. Mary moved up to Spokane in her twenties where she graduated from business school and later met the love of her life, Don McIntosh. They were married April 11, 1959. They stayed married until Don’s passing in 2016. They bought a home in Spokane Valley and started a family. Don became very active in softball and they became very close friends with many of the softball couples. They spent years playing softball and having social gatherings together. They were also able to buy a lake home on Coeur d’ Alene Lake where Mary loved to entertain and spend time with her family. There were many memories created as a family at the lake. Mary’s most cherished time was with family. She was also an exceptional seamstress and a great cook. After the kids were grown they bought some property in Post Falls (Hauser) and built a house. While living there the two of them took up golfing. (On a side note- mom is the only one that can say she had a hole in one!). Once again, they met some amazing couples that stayed friends until their passing. The both of them also spent many winters going to Franks cabin (Mary’s Brother ) snowmobiling for the week. Mary always talked about all the great times they had at their cabin. They also had an opportunity to travel the whole USA and parts of the world. Mary loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. She became a huge Gonzaga fan and never missed a game. (we have all the Gonzaga shirts to prove it!) While living in Post Fall Mary was an avid gardener. She loved working in the garden, trimming her roses, sitting by the pond and watching the deer, moose, and turkeys strolling through the property. It is what she called her piece of heaven on earth. Don and Mary also spent countless hours with Don’s brother Larry and his wife, Judy McIntosh. Mary stayed very close with Larry and Judy after Don’s passing. Larry and Judy would take Mary to lunch once a week just to catch up and spend time together. It was a very special time and cherished memories for Mary. Mary also loved being a grandma and cherished her grandchildren. Mary is survived by: Teresa (McIntosh) & Dave Gilbertz, Gary & Kathy McIntosh, Denise McIntosh, Marci (McIntosh) & Jim Shrull; Steve & Jamie Gilbertz, Julie (Gilbertz) & Nick Klassen, Lisa (Gilbertz) & Raymond Stewart; Breanne McIntosh, Bryce McIntosh; Heather & Thomas Burgess, Danielle & Kory Borde, Amy & Stephen Patterson, Fallon & Michael Huson; Zachary Shrull, Madeleine Shrull. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 1 on the way. Although we are heartbroken that she is gone, we know that Mom is where she wanted to be… reunited with Dad. Mom, your love and kindness touched many lives and left an incredible mark on all of us. We love you and miss you.