Obituary of Ida Thelma Louis
Ida (Becker) Louis, passed away, peacefully, in the early morning hours of February 17, 2021 at the age of 93.
Ida leaves to mourn and celebrate her life, three children, Donna (Allan) Fedje, Myron (Louise) Louis and Darryl (Teresa) Louis; grandchildren, Aaron (Erin), Simia (Mike), Randal (Jamie), Jennifer (Kevin), Amanda, Stacey (Tim), Dawnalyn, and Brent (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Edson, Mickey, Ethelia, Jayna, Ella, Darby, Hannah, Jackson, Julia, Piper, Caleb, Jordan and Remington; her sister Vera Herman and brother, Myron (Valerie) Becker.
Ida was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Jim Wah Louis (2010); infant brother, “Sonny” Becker (1932); sister, Isabelle Stewart/Knoblauch (2013); granddaughter, Crystal Louis (2018); brothers-in-law; Wilbert Herman, Robert Stewart and John Knoblauch; and Jim's sisters Dorothy Kwan and Ruth Wong.
Ida was always thinking about her family and friends, like taking great care to find that perfect card for every occasion and to those in need she was always generous. Ida was a person that made everyone she met want to be a better person.
Ida Thelma Becker was born on March 20, 1927 to Gustav and Marie (Siemens) Becker. She was the oldest of five children. Ida was born on the home farm at Lawtonia Saskatchewan. She first attended school at, Henke School near Hodgeville, SK and graduated in 1946 from Moose Jaw Central Collegiate.
Ida worked part time at the Exchange Cafe in Moose Jaw. While working there, she met Dorothy Louis who introduced Ida to her brother, Jim, and as they say, the rest is history.
Ida and Jim were married on April 5, 1947 at Jim's mother’s house in Regina Saskatchewan. Over the next six years they had three children, Donna May (1949), Myron James (1952) and Darryl Gene (1953).
Ida, Jim and family moved to Moose Jaw from 1956 to 1959, and opened a restaurant, called JIL's Grill (Jim and Ida Louis). After 3 years of business ownership and working long hours they sold the restaurant and moved back to their home on Broder Street Regina, Saskatchewan.
Ida wanted to work and they arranged for Jim's mother, Mary (Fong) Louis (1903-1983), to live with them during the week.
Ida had an impressive resume highlighted as follows:
- Secretary to the Director of the Conservatory of Music
- Secretary to the Western Board of Music (1961)
- University Registrar's Office (1964 1983)
Ida retired in 1983. In retirement, Ida and Jim travelled many years to Arizona to escape the Saskatchewan winters. Initially hauling a trailer and eventually owning a Park Model home. When they decided to stay home, they lived in a number of apartments before settling at Hamilton Plaza in 1995, where Ida lived until 2020 when she went to live at Queen Victoria Estates. During their retirement years Ida and Jim owned 2 cottages at Regina Beach, so they could enjoy their summers at the lake, with family and friends.
Some things you may or may not have known:
- As a teen, she could look at an article of clothing and with what she had, she made it. Her sisters and her often dressed in the latest fashions.
- She learned how to knit from her motherin-law. We all had slippers and our very special Christmas Stockings.
- Ida loved trips to mountains especially Mount Robson (there's a story behind this just ask her kids). She was able to visit Mount Robson many times. (even after Jim's passing courtesy of Myron and Louise).
- Ida and Jim opened their door to the University Conservatory students for a place to enjoy playing music and dancing.
- Loved a Margarita (if her sonin-law Allan was pouring) or a fine single malt scotch
- Loved singing and music.
- Most of all Ida loved her family and cherished every moment she spent with them.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Ida’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Box 3356 Stn. Main, Regina, SK., S4P 3H1 or Carmichael Outreach – www.carmichealoutreach.ca.
