Ida Mae ARNOLD

HANNA, Ida Mae 2009-07-14 It is with sadness that the family of Ida Mae Hanna (nee Arnold) announces her passing on July 10, 2009 at age 88 years. Born on August 6, 1920 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ida Mae was raised in Rainy River in a loving and caring family, parents C.H. (Harold) and Ethel Winifred and her brothers Tom and Billy (bomber pilot lost in WWII). She attended Teachers College in North Bay and Business College in Winnipeg. In her youth Ida Mae excelled in many sports, notably tennis, badminton, basketball and track and field. She was also an accomplished swimmer having perfected the Australian crawl in the Rainy River at the foot of her street. In later years she pitched in a ladies softball league in Atikokan, She adored the Brooklyn Dodgers. Ida Mae was also a champion bowler. Recently, she followed the Toronto Blue Jays and her curling teams of Ferby, Howard and Jones. Ida Mae first met Glen, her life‘s partner when she was maid of honour and he was best man at their respective friend‘s wedding in Winnipeg during WWII. It all started with their dancing to the love song, “As Time Goes By”. They were married in Noranda, Quebec in January, 1946, then moved to Atikokan, Fort William, Port Arthur, Rainy River and finally back to Thunder Bay. Ida Mae taught public school starting in a one room country school. Volunteering was an important part of her life. She taught Sunday School and served on the Anglican Church Board in Rainy River, was a church organist, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and was a Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. Her petit point work was beautiful and her large Blue Boy and Pinky pictures are cherished family heirlooms. She was a great cook and generous person who was always inviting someone to share a meal. No one could best her turkey dinners, pie pastry, or baking powder biscuits. And in her spare time, she enjoyed playing bridge and the piano. In later years, she made the odd shot in pool. She was indeed a lady of many talents. Happy memories of ten winters in Texas included following the Rads Dance Band who always announced and played, “As Time Goes By for Ida Mae from Thunder Bay”. In Thunder Bay, she and Glen enjoyed dancing to the Happy Elders Band. Ida Mae had an easy way about her, thought of others, and made those around her feel comfortable. She was fun to be with and had a droll sense of humour. And of course her life centered on family. She made all of us feel special and loved. We miss her. She was amazing!!! Ida Mae is survived by her husband, Glen, daughter Tracey Marks (Owen) and grandchildren Owen (O.J.) and Victoria, daughter Margie Hanna and grandchildren Dylan Gerow (Amanda Bahlieda) and Duran Gerow (Sadie Krezonoski), sister-in-law Diane Arnold, all of Thunder Bay, a cousin Gladys McClellan (Bob) and Verna Prosser of Toronto and Stayner respectively. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers. Cremation has taken place. A memorial luncheon to celebrate Ida Mae‘s life will be held on July 16, 2009, at the Port Arthur Branch 5 Royal Canadian Legion at 11:00 a.m. A private family service will take place at a later date. If so desired donations may be made to the Port Arthur Branch 5 Royal Canadian Legion, The Naval Heritage Fund, Dying with Dignity at www.dyingwithdignity.ca or the charity of your choice.