Ida Renee Greaves (née Pinder)
April 4, 1926 - December 30, 2024
Ida passed away peacefully with family at her side at Kensington Village LTC the evening of Monday, December 30, 2024 in her ninety-ninth year. Predeceased by husband Donald Greaves (2017) and four sisters in the UK. Predeceased by daughter Jennifer Sleightholm (Ron) in 2019. Ida was the much-loved mum of Angela Greer (Bill) and Ian (Lorraine). Loving nana to Jonathon, Pamela (Badih), Alison (Stephen), Gillian and Ewan. Great-nana to Colette and Olivier. Aunt and great-aunt to many in the UK, Germany and the USA. A special mention to the staff of Kensington Village and Dr. Whynot for the affectionate care they gave Ida since February 2020.
Ida’s life spanned almost a century. There were many events, people and places which shaped who she was. She was born the fourth of five sisters in Oldham, Lancashire. Married in 1948. Emigrated to Canada in 1961. Arrived in London in 1966. It became home. Retired from Western University in 1991. Family and friends were a focus for Ida. She had a lifelong bond with her sisters, especially her younger sister Joyce. She was cheerful, clever, fun-loving, resourceful, artistic and independent. She enjoyed hours at her sewing machine creating outfits that rivalled anything in a store. She taught ball room dance to hundreds at Fanshawe College. Above all Ida was loving, sensitive and caring. She cared deeply for people. The dementia that has diminished her for the past decade cannot take away who she was — a caring mother, grandmother and friend.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Remembrances at 3 p.m. Ida’s signature colour was blue. In keeping with celebrating her we suggest wearing anything blue. (That would be the sort of thing that would have given her a giggle.) In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or a charity of your choice.
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So sorry for your loss, my condolences. Mum's are special being. MA
Goodbye dear Auntie Ida, last of „the Pinder sisters“ to leave us. I remember you (just about) from before you left Glodwick, Oldham (Hooper Street?) for your new life. And 20 years later I emigrated to Germany, so we met only rarely down the years, whenever we both chanced to be visiting Oldham. But they are good memories! I know how much you meant to mum (Eunice) and your other sisters and, whatever our beliefs, you are now together again. In the photo you’re being held by your mum (Grandma Pinder to me), standing your oldest sister Hilda, seated at left Eunice (my mum) and at Joan. Joyce came along later. Bless you all.
Services for Ida Renee Greaves (née Pinder)
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 26, 2025 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Remembrances will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 26, 2025 3:00 pm
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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
I worked reception at Horizon Place back in 2018. Ida was a dear resident, and personal favourite of mine, who I spent a lot of time with. I would take my portable phone and go knocking on the door to her suite, which she always answering with a smile. We would look through photo albums on the couch, or just talk. She was always showing me photos of her son, Ian. She was often chilly in the dining room so we made sure she always had a sweater with her. During isolation during flu season, when residents were quarantined to their rooms, Ida would leave anyways and come see me at the front desk. She just wanted to chat and I was more than happy to, we loved sharing a giggle. Ida passed away on my 30th birthday, and I will forever remember her every single year, and I hope to reach 99 incredible years as she did.
~ Brittany Schmiedtke