Teri Nickisch selected as a Woman of Wisdom

Qualities that have been used to describe Woman of Wisdom Teri Nickisch include grace, service, strength, fortitude, activism, dedication and inspirational, just to name a few.

Teri and her husband Keith arrived in Sandpoint in 1975 with their two young children, Melanie and Chad, and Keith opened an accounting practice. Teri immediately immersed herself in community activities such as PTA and Sandpoint Soccer Association. As an avid ski racer, it was only natural that her children would follow in her footsteps, so she became an active parent volunteer in the SARS program.

In 1987 Teri was elected to the local school board during a very trying time, and she served with dedication from 1987-1991. Teri also focused on building strong family friendships during this time. She and her husband formed a lasting bond with seven young families who were also new to the area, raising their children together. Many of these friends still live in Sandpoint and continue to celebrate and support each other. Two years ago, 43 of these family members celebrated a holiday dinner together, continuing to create new memories.

While her children were pursuing their higher education, Teri began working to complete her own, and after much hard work and dedication, she completed her studies with a degree in accounting from LCSC. She then began assisting Keith in his CPA practice and later used her accounting expertise at Wes Olson Trucking, Taylor-Parker Chevrolet, and finally Coldwater Creek.

Teri has had more than her share of adversity. About six years ago she lost her husband Keith, and just a few months later she lost her mother. She has survived a serious bout with breast cancer and has had two hip replacements. None of this has dampened her optimism, her spirit, or her caring nature. Her daughter Melanie beautifully described her mother when she wrote, “Her dedication and fearlessness in meeting people, having true interest in them, and making connections for them in other places in the community is awe-inspiring. She can start a conversation with an easy ‘Hi, I’m Teri’ and end it with names and community contacts for two to twenty other people, organizations, or places to visit that person might use to find out more about what this incredible community has to offer and ways to get involved. She has personally taken people on tours of Bonner County.” Through this welcoming generosity, Teri has made friends throughout the United States and the world.

Teri has been actively involved in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, served as the treasurer of the Kinderhaven board of directors and assisted with the Healing Garden. Due to her personal experience with cancer, she currently supports Community Cancer Services by driving cancer patients to Coeur d’Alene and Spokane for treatment and offers support and encouragement to those recently diagnosed.

Her friend, Jeanne Bock, summed up the many accolades expressed about Teri when she wrote, “She is forever cheerful, grateful for the bounties of love and friendship that surround her every day. She has inspired me to be a better person.”

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

To be nominated for Woman 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, Kendall Lang, Pat Lewis, Debbie Love, Sally Lowry, Leslie Marshall, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Marilyn Sabella, Tina Sleyster, Sally Transue and Linda VanDellen.