Ida Rainer 1931-2002
Ida Rainer “Oma” packed a lot into her 71 years. Her husband of 52 years, Leo, was the love of her life, while her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. Her legacy was her sense of family, sense of community and work ethic.
The oldest of eight children and a mother figure at an early age, she left her birthplace of Vienna, Austria, at the young age of 23 to build a better life with her husband in Canada. Starting with nothing, Ida and Leo worked diligently to provide a good home for their growing family.
After settling in North Bay, Ida and Leo were among the founding members of the Germania Club.
From cleaning other people’s homes to working at the deli at Dominion to running her own store (Dalesview Delicatessen), she taught her children that it didn’t matter the job, it mattered that it was done well. Education was crucial for her family.
Ida had a zest for life – fun came in so many forms, whether dancing with her husband, travelling with her friends, or playing games with her children and grandchildren. Hugs and laughs were plentiful when Oma was around. A willing babysitter for all her grandchildren, she and Leo purchased a cottage so that her treasured grandchildren could visit every summer.
She was always smiling. People were drawn to her. It was her honest interest in people that made her business such a success, although she was also a very shrewd businesswoman and no one would out-negotiate Ida.
Food and Ida were synonymous – she was an amazing cook. She took requests for everyone’s favourite birthday cake. All troubles could be fixed by a good meal “Lots of vitamins, no additives”.
Loyal to a fault, she could be fierce in defense of her family and friends.
As much as she loved travelling, she loved coming home to North Bay. Her house was her pride and joy. She helped build it – mixing mortar, hauling bricks, planting trees. Ida was meticulously clean – you could eat off her floors.
Oma was Oma. She loved to laugh, she loved to talk.
“If you don’t believe in angels you haven’t met my Oma”
… Ida’s grandchildren.