Ida’s family moved to Molotschna, Ukraine, in 1922, and immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling near Arnaud, Man. Walking to her one-room school nurtured a love of nature in Ida and gave her the incentive to join the Manitoba Naturalist Society years later. She completed high school and normal school in Winnipeg and earned BA and BEd degrees from University of Manitoba. Ida taught elementary school in Waldersee, Springstein, St. James and Winnipeg school districts, adding drama and concerts to enhance her classes. In 1960, she made many friends, teaching English at the Maedchen-Gymnasium in Esslingen, Germany. On her return to Winnipeg, she taught high school English and German. A founding member of McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg, Ida taught Sunday school and, in retirement, enjoyed women’s and seniors’ activities.
