With profound sadness but much gratitude for a life well and fully lived, we are sad to announce that Ida joined her soldier on June 7, in her 106th year. Ida was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Christopher and Ellen Bain, the fourth of seven children. Ida graduated from St Joseph’s School of Nursing, earning her RN in 1941. She immediately enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp and served as a nursing sister in England. Upon hearing of the death of her brother Clarence in Sicily, she asked to be transferred to Italy. It was there she met a dashing young soldier named Bob who would become her husband and life partner until his death in 1999. Ida & Bob were blessed with four children, Barbara, Margaret, Elizabeth and Robert. Ida was very involved with her children’s activities, including Sunday School and being camp nurse for the Girl Guides.
1973 saw Bob and Ida retire, buy acreage in the country, and clear the land to build their dream house. Their life was transformed from child-rearing and work to gardens, travel and the enjoyment of grandchildren.
After Bob’s death Ida moved back to the city, enjoying life in a condo, an independent living facility and the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre, where she continued to enjoy fine food, music, picnics, traveling, and social activities while continuing to expand her circle of friends.
She will be interred with her soldier at Beechwood Cemetery. Bob and Ida’s reunion will be celebrated Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:30am with a reception to follow. Donations to honour her memory may be made to Centretown United Church, Salvation Army or Perley Health.
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