Deirdre Haran Abeid passed away May 29 at her home in Rice after a courageous battle with cancer.

Deirdre was born August 27, 1955, the daughter of James and Maura Therese McCarthy Haran. She grew up in San Francisco in a large Irish-Catholic family. In 1977 she married Simon Abeid and moved to Rice where they built their home and raised three children, Mellad, Caitlin, and Claire.

Deirdre was an incredibly gifted musician. In grammar school she played flute in a woodwind quartet; at Lincoln High School in San Francisco she sang in an award-winning choir. She began Irish step-dancing at the age of five, and her talent as a dancer ultimately led her to establish the Haran School of Irish Dance in Kettle Falls. Her strong voice was the heart of her church choir, and she participated in Woodland Theater productions as an actress, singer, dancer, and choreographer. Among other shows, she performed in "Trial by Jury" and "Pirates of Penzance," and was the unforgettable, lovely Irish lass, Sharon, in "Finian's Rainbow." She was a natural performer who brought joy to many audiences. The Haran Irish Dancers are famous for their wonderful, lively shows, all beautifully directed by Deirdre.

Her talents also included the domestic arts: she was a master gardener, cook, knitter, and seamstress. She loved working with her hands and took pleasure in all sorts of creative and practical projects: she could upholster a couch, shear a sheep, embroider a Celtic border on a beautiful dance dress. She also loved to host large, festive gatherings of family and friends.

Deirdre was a born teacher. She taught reading to students of all ages and home-schooled her own children. Her dance studio has been a vital part of the community for years, and many families are grateful for the way she has touched the lives of their children.

Above all, Deirdre was devoted to her family. She was a person of strong faith and an eternal optimist. She had a terrific sense of humor and loved to tell a story, especially a funny one. Deirdre will be remembered as a cheerful, strong, fearless woman whose joy and laughter and generous spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Deirdre is survived by: husband Simon Abeid and children Mellad, Caitlin, Claire; father James Haran and stepmother Loyce Haran of Sonoma, CA; sister-in-law Betty Ann Abeid, brother-in-law Tom McLaughlin and their children Jamilah, Emma, and Norah or Deming, WA; brother Terry Haran and sister-in-law Susan Haran and their children Jeff and Alex of Boulder, CO; sister Mary Cleere Haran and son Jacob Gilford of Brooklyn, NY; sister Bronwyn Harris and brother-in-law Doug Harris of Evans; sister Brigid Haran of Petaluma, CA; brother Tim Haran and daughter Angela Haran of San Francisco, CA; brother Ned Haran of Sebastopol, CA; sister Eithne Bullick and brother-in-law Brian Bullick and their children Teal and Jamie Junco of Sonoma, CA; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Deirdre was preceeded in death by her mother Maura McCarthy.

Friends of the Abeid family are encouraged to make contributions to Catholic charities in Deirdre's memory.

A vigil will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Kettle Falls. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Colville with a reception to follow. Danekas Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.