August 18, 1938 ~ January 22, 2023
Born to Lajos and Emilia Monus and baby sister to Gizike in Doge, Hungary when Europe was at war. Graduated from high school in Kisvarda. Ida was 18 years old when she escaped the “Iron Curtain” to Austria. Her life started in Canada as a domestic and then agricultural labourer in Norfolk County, Ontario. She met Istvan Borsy in English classes at night school in Simcoe, Ontario. They married and went on to have 5 children: Marianna, Katherine, Eszter, Stephen and Michael. Ida loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. All her babies were welcomed with joy and pride.
In 1964 Ida began to study the Bible. She was attracted to the Bible’s promise of a world of peace – she hated war!! She was so happy when she was baptized in 1968 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Ida moved to Claresholm in 1980 with her two young sons, and soon after the rest of her children followed. Ida enjoyed the quiet life and walkability of Claresholm. Her employment was janitorial and seniors’ home care.
Ida was always hospitable and ready with kind words to those close by. Her health was impacted as a young woman: orphaned by war, refugee, immigration, and things she never spoke of. Ida’s congregation were the community who were always a true support in her life. Those who knew her, loved her. Ida was always a hard worker for her family. Her children were well dressed and her homes were always clean and tidy.
Ida loved flowers, a good vegetable garden with enough parsley and yellow beans for soup, cooking good chicken paprikas or cabbage rolls. Animals were drawn to Ida. She liked butterflies, enjoyed kittens, cats, and admired little white dogs. Ida loved babies and conversations with their moms.
Ida loved to travel, and was happy to see beautiful places in Alberta and BC. She took her children to the mountains and encouraged them to learn to ski. When there was snow on the hills she would share in tobogganing. In the summer it was swimming lessons for sons and grandsons and granddaughter. Ida never learned to swim, but she wanted her kids to have the opportunity.
Her family in Hungary were always important to her. Trips to her home country were focused on renewing family connections. And her sister Gizike and brother-in-law and extended family were marvellous hosts.
Ida was predeceased by her father, beloved grandparents Berta and Mihaly Olah, her mother, sister Gizike Toth, brother-in-law Albert Toth, and son-in-law Paul Visser.
Ida is survived by her children Marianna (Brad) Orge, Katherine Visser, Eszter (Trevor) Thompson, Stephen Borsy, Michael (Jolien) Borsy, her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ida loved people and starting a conversation was easy for her. Dementia diminished her ability to communicate verbally, but those who cared for her knew her loving nature and kind heart.
Memorial donations may be made online at jw.org in support of humanitarian and educational work world wide.
