Ollie Killen, 83

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Olive May Killen, known as Ollie to her friends and family. Ollie was a beloved wife, mother, educator, entrepreneur, and adventurer. She passed peacefully in her sleep April 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love for her family and friends.

Born in 1940 to James and Ann Peat Bovill, Ollie, the youngest of four sisters, entered the world with a spirit of adventure and boundless energy that would take her around the world. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Penn., within a tight-knit immigrant community of Irish/Scottish “aunts” and “uncles”, Ollie developed her keen empathy and open friendliness for people.

Ollie earned her Master's degree in education from the University of Arizona, where she had met her husband, John Killen of Irvine, Calif. After getting married, they moved to Orange County in California where she taught in the public school system while John earned his Masters in Education from USC.

Their mutual love of adventure had them quitting their teaching jobs to travel around Europe for a year. Upon return they moved to Hawaii, working in the hospitality field as they started their family. While living in Florida to be closer to her retired parents, Ollie and John decided they wanted to raise their daughters in beautiful North Idaho, a place they never forgot from their travels. They built their house and business, The Log House, in Sandpoint in 1977. It is now the location of the Ponderay Police station.

Ollie was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Heather and April, SHS class of '91 and '92. She poured her boundless love, wisdom, and guidance into her children, introducing them to the beauty of the world and the wonderful rich cultures within it.

Ollie will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her warmth, generosity, and zest for life. Her laughter, wisdom, and indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Heather Killen of Silver Spring, Md., and April Lecours of Billerica, Mass., and their husbands, Eric Shepard and Dan Lecours. Her grandchildren, Emma Shepard, Jace Lecours, and Ayla Lecours, and many devoted nieces and nephews who will dearly miss their Aunt Ollie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sandpoint Food Bank. A graveside memorial will be held at a later date at the family plot in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Rest in peace, dear Ollie. You have left an indelible mark on the world, and your positive light will shine on in all the lives you have touched.