IDA (FLAIG) HEINZ
Posted: February 7th, 2022
1923 – 2022
In her 99th year, Ida gently passed away at home in Coldstream, BC on January 16, 2022. We’d like to think that she happily strolled through the pearly gates where, after almost a century, a huge party was waiting to greet her. Born 21st of March 1923 in Hilda, Alberta to Rose & Emmanuel Flaig, Ida had an enriched childhood on the prairie with siblings, Ray, Bertie and Lloyd. On the farm at ten years old, she drove a team of horses pulling wagonloads of wheat to the grain elevators, a ten mile trip that little Ida made – by herself. Music and literacy were important to the Flaig’s. Ida played piano from an early age and went on to become a school teacher. ‘Miss Flaig’ taught Grades 1-3 in Milk River, Tilley, and Hilda Alberta in the 1940s. In her late 90s she was touched to receive notes from several of her students, fondly remembering how she had taught them to read.
In 1947 Ida married William Heinz, a WWII Juno Beach veteran, they had fourteen children. Our parents provided well for us and ran a tight ship in our happy and chaotic household. We were all frequent flyers in the time-out-chair, and learned to put the fun in dysfunctional! They raised us to be kind, accountable, resourceful, and to give back. They showed us the transformative power of a good book, humour, art, music and spending time in the great outdoors. Ida was predeceased in 1959 by their little daughters Iris and Grace, son David in1999 and husband William (Bill) in 2009. Life brought her tremendous joys and threw her many hardships and tragedies but Ida always found the grit and grace to keep moving forward. Her faith was her refuge and strength. Her super powers were her resilience, kindness and gentle humour.
Ida was a lifelong learner, bilingual, an avid reader, current events keener and enthusiastic traveller. It was always fun to sit down with Mom over a cup of Red Rose tea and see the world through her wise lens, no topic was off limits. ‘Grammy’ enjoyed welcoming her 21 grand-children and 10 great-grandchildren and taught many of them how to read; they played in her yard, climbed trees, jumped in piles of leaves, read stacks of books and ate heaps of cookies.
Ida truly made the world a brighter place; she was a treasure to all who knew her. God speed, dear Ida, Mom, Grammy, you are cherished and forever in our hearts.
In memory of Ida, perhaps put up a bird feeder and enjoy the birds, or consider a donation to EffectHope.org. Go to www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca/medicine-hat/ to leave a message of condolence.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Heinz’s family. My Walker grandparents lived in Hilda and I used to go to your house and play. Your Mom was always very kind to me. I remember Grace and Iris. Such cute little girls. I went to school with David, I think he was a year younger than me. I remember your Dad was always called “Billy”. Thanks for sharing her obituary, which I saved. Take care and God Bless, Carol Walker-Davick
Mrs. Ida Heinz was my grade grade two teacher at New Hilda School in 1947, the same year she and William (Billy) Heinz were married. As a class we used to love singing with vigor and delight the popular song “Dear Billy”; especially the lyrics asking “can she bake a cherry pie, dear Billy, dear Billy?” Treasure the memories of your mother and grandmother, she was a very special lady who touched many the lives of so many people.
Sending deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one..I grew up in Hilda & helped your Mom after school..usually I washed dishes.
Iris & Grace were little sweethearts & how I missed them following the tragedy..such a huge loss to the family & community.
May cherished memories of your Mom & grandma sustain you in the difficult days ahead.
Prayers for comfort & peace at this time.
I will miss my dear friend Ida. Ida’s lovely daughters invited me into her daily life and I was blessed many times over for having this family’s friendship. She was always happy and content with an amazing sense of humour and always greeted me with a smile. When I am out and about my heart is still drawn to her hearth and home💝
I too was in that class (see Janet’s message) in Hilda when Miss Flaig married to become Mrs. Heinz. It was confusing for us little people to address her by a new title. She quickly smoothed the transition for us by still being the exact same caring lady as she was before. In those long ago days before kindergarten and Sesame Street she taught us to read, print and even in some cases how to speak English. We were fortunate to have her as a patient teacher in our early formative years. I will remember her always.
It was always a special time to pop by to say hi 👋 to Aunt Ida over the many years while I was living in Revelstoke, 1987 to 1994, and then my finding my wife, Gina, in Vernon in 1998, allowed me to continue visits regularly. So many cherished memories of tea ☕️ with Aunt Ida and family over those years. What a gift 💝 to have been able to visit with her.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the death of your mother. Death is such an enemy and was not God’s original purpose for mankind. I too was in her class for grades 1 and 2. I remember thinking (even at my young age) how romantic it was when she married Billie Heinz. I will always fondly remember her as the person who gave me the name Merna Mable Blue Eyes Emann.
Your Mom and Dad were special people and long remembered. They were kind and gracious to anyone privileged to know your family. I met your fanily in Calgary where Gwen and I became close friends in elementary school. We sadly parted ways over the years, yet her friendship and your family’s stability were always a beacon of light and good modeling. Bless all of you!