Long time resident of Bayshore Village, Ida Herbert passed peacefully at Victoria House Retirement Home on Saturday Apr. 18, 2020 at the age of 103. Beloved wife of Michael Herbert (predeceased), married in England in 1940. Daughter of Rosalia Geisser (nee Basterra) and H. E. Geisser. Loving sister of Anna Lewin (predeceased), Aunt of Ann Gray (predeceased). She will be sadly missed by her nieces, Ann Shoosmith, Marion Flynn, Jenny Philp, great nephews Douglas (Diana) Gray, David Gray and Derek Gray (predeceased) and great great niece Alexandria Gray.
Special friend for many years of Tony and Annette Katarynych and family, Kirstyn, Lindsay, Michael & Adam, who will miss her immensely.
Ida and Michael immigrated to Canada in 1948. Ida had amazing stories to share about arriving in Halifax and making their way to Ontario on their motorcycle with sidecar.
Ida worked as a school secretary in Toronto until retiring to Bayshore Village in the 1980’s.
Ida’s greatest joys, aspirations and fulfillment in life since her 50’s were practicing and teaching yoga.
Her remarkable life included 20 years at the YMCA in Orillia where she participated in spin classes and swimming, and teaching yoga to very dedicated individuals of all ages.
Ida taught yoga at the Hayloft Community Centre at Bayshore village for many years. “Ida’s Girls” made sure to always celebrate with Ida on birthdays and other occasions.
Ida was a very sought after guest speaker in the yoga realm. She attended annual conferences at Geneva Park and other venues.
Ida was in the 2014 Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest yoga teacher at the age of 96. She was very proud of that and autographed many copies of the book.
There were many interviews on TV to see this amazing yoga instructor. People were drawn to her feisty energy and love of life.
The Big Bike Ride for Heart & Stroke included Ida for many years and the participants made sure she could be there even until she was 100.
Ida had a very special person in her life over the last 10 years. Lorraine Noble, Ida’s PSW (and her dog Peewee), always made sure Ida had everything she needed, including mussels. She took Ida to numerous appointments & outings and was there as best as she could be during Covid19 restrictions.
Thank you to all the staff and friends at Victoria House. A special thank you to Dr. Benjamin McNaull for his many year of extraordinary care and compassion. It took this independent lady, 3 visits and 3 years to finally make the move to this wonderful new home. During the very difficult recent restrictions this amazing group went above and beyond to care for Ida.
Ida’s message to all who asked about her longevity was “keep moving!”. Her devotion to yoga made that possible for her but she always supported whatever would work to stay healthy. Ida’s legacy will live on in all the lives she has touched.
Ida had a “whimsical” wish to have her ashes scattered by “Ida’s Rock” at Pier 33, in Bayshore Village, along with a celebration to share memories. This will be planned at a later date.
For anyone wishing to remember Ida through a donation, please consider the SPCA and contact Carson Funeral Homes for further information (705-326-3595).