Ida Irene MCCONNELL

Ida Irene Howe The funeral service for Ida Irene Howe was conducted by Reverend Rick Hobbs on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at the Paul Funeral Home, Powassan. Mrs. Marilyn Ulrick was organist and hymns included "Amazing Grace", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". Personal tributes were delivered by grandchildren Bradly Rutledge, who read a poem "A Mansion In Heaven"; Brenda Rutledge who conveyed reflections by family members who could not attend; and Beverly Rutledge who shared her personal memories of her beloved grandmother. Following the service the Powassan United Church Women welcomed the Howe family and friends for a luncheon and time of fellowship at the Church. Casket bearers for Mrs. Howe were Doug, Andrew and Steve Howe and Brian, Bradly and Brent Rutledge. wInterment will take place in spring at Powassan Union Cemetery. Ida Howe died peacefully at Victoria Manor, Lindsay, Ontario on Sunday, January 30, 2005. She was in her 94th year. Ida (nee McConnell) was predeceased by her husband Carman Robert Howe. She was the loving mother of Mae Rutledge (Keith) of Powassan and Gerry Howe (Barbara) of Wasi Lake; mother-in-law of Gisele Howe (late Lloyd) of Lindsay and Myrtle Bromley (late Charlie Howe) of Nova Scotia. She was the dear sister of Myrtle Ransome (Sid) of Parry Sound and was predeceased by her parents Ellen and Charles McConnell, her sisters Bernice McConnell, Edith Lamb, Vera Dobbs and Laura Dobbs and by her brothers Alex, Harvey, Milton, Charles (Mel), Merville and Clarence McConnell. She will be lovingly remembered by 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ida was born on November 9, 1911 in Nipissing, one of 13 children of Ellen Ann (Swalwell) and Charles Alexander McConnell. Ida still lived on the farm where she was born when she met Carman Howe. They were married on December 4, 1930 and moved to Powassan. While Carman operated his trucking business, Ida raised their four children. The family attended Powassan United Church until they moved to North Bay. Ida continued to run the household while also operating a gas and confectionary store. She was a very hard worker all her life. They always had a great garden every year preserving and canning for the winter months. In the winter a huge rink was made where the children and neighbours enjoyed skating and hockey. Many a dance was held in their home. Ida enjoyed baking and mending for the family. The children and grandchildren had the best patched jeans. She would also turn collars of shirts for extended use. They moved to Niagara Falls for Carman's work and lived there for many years. There Ida once again enjoyed a vegetable and flower garden. When Brian and Bradley worked at a summer job in the Niagara area many care packages were taken to them by their Grandma Ida who was so generous and giving. When Carman retired they moved back to North Bay to be near family. Ida was for many years an Associate Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #23 and also belonged to the Orange Lodge. When Ida and Carman sold their home in North Bay they lived at their daughters home until Carman's death October 2, 1993. Ida then stayed with Lloyd until ill health required her to moved into Victoria Manor Home for the Aged in Lindsay. Ida was a very outgoing person enjoyed socializing and loved life. We shall miss her smiling blue eyes and her great laughter. She was the greatest mother and grandmother and will always be in our hearts. To make a donation in Ida's memory or to request a memorial card please call the Paul Funeral Home 705-724-2024.