It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ida Ines Entwistle (nee Grittini), in her 92nd year, surrounded by her loving family. After a challenging battle with dementia, the world traveller, Ida, left for her final journey at 4:22 am on Aug 12th, 2023. Born in La-Seyne-sur-Mer, France, of Italian parents, Maria & Natale, she met the dashing Canadian Guards officer, the love of her life, John Entwistle (pre-deceased), while working for NATO in Paris. It was love at first sight for the two of them and they built a strong, loving relationship through many challenging times. Ida worked for 25 years for CBC, in International Relations, coordinating the Canadian entries for many international film festivals. Both through her life with John, and through her work, she met Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, various Heads of State, and the list goes on. She charmed them all. The last of an era, Ida is predeceased by her husband John, her sisters Amelie (Michele), Olga (Freddy) and her brother, Aldo (Peggy). She is survived by her 3 daughters: Catherine, Sandra (Randy), and Natalie (Andrew); 7 grandchildren: Michael (Allison), Erin (Jordan), Sam (Laura), Natasha, Adam (Nancy), Alexander and Eric. She is also survived by 4 great grandchildren: Harrison, Charlotte, Lennox and Everett, and a 5th one on the way in late Fall! Known as “Nana no-no” at times because of the antics of her energetic and impish grandchildren, she had a wonderful sense of humour and treated all with kindness and love. She loved deeply. Free from all physical pain and the heartache from losing John in 1985, she is finally able to join him after nearly 40 years apart. Their love story continues….Many, many thanks to the staff of the Perley Health, which had been Ida’s home for the past 2 years, for their excellent, kind and compassionate care.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) on Friday, August 25th at 1pm followed by the interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or to the Perley Health, would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Annamaria Julini-Steib
Sheena Macdonald
I had the privilege of knowing Ida through all the festival trips we took together. We simply had the best if times. We worked hard but oh the fun we had. She was one of a kind and I will miss her. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family.
Linda Hunter
It has been a privilege to have known Ida and her daughters these past 2 years while she lived at the Perley. Ida wove herself into our hearts and had a beautiful smile. I am very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mum and know you have so many lovely memories of your Mum’s time on earth. God bless ❤️
Lise and Ling Lee
We are with you in your sadness and offer our heartfelt condolences. We are so blessed to have shared many special moment with Nana over the years… you could not have described her more eloquently in your beautiful obituary. She is in peace. Much love xx
Shelley Peters
Sincere condolences to Sandra, Randy and family.
Ginette & Paul Landry
Our condolences Sandra, Randy and family.
She had a wonderland life.. she may now rest in peace.
Lori, Jessika & Dakota Lacroix
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy Catherine, Alex and Eric.
Dr Lesa Fullerton
Mrs Entwistle was the epitome of what a lady should be. Always gracious and warm with all the extra people that her daughters brought home ( including me) . When Catherine was in the Maritimes , and I had my first child, Mrs Entwistle was my first visitor in the hospital , charming the gatekeepers to make sure I knew that she and Catherine cared so much for her extra family . Her visits to see me everytime I came beck to Canada were full of love and kindness . Ida and her equally charming John took me to my first high style dine-in Chinese restaurant . So although her memory had failed in latter years, I cherish the memories I have of ‘Catherine’s mom’.
Patricia and Charles Spratt
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your cherished Ida. May the lovely memories you have of her stay with you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Liliana Neil
Ida, my aunt, was 22 when I was born and stayed young at heart as I grew older. On visits to London and Italy throughout my childhood, she was a whirlwind of warmth and conviviality . In my teens she appeared impossibly elegant and glamorous, probably because she was. Later, in times of stress, I was touched by her wise counsel and zen approach to many things.
Always interested in others and excited by the many possibilities in life, she recounted her travels and adventures to us with a girlish enthusiasm and passion. She used to tease me by giving her age as improbably young, but maybe she really didn't feel her years. Her spirit of fun sat well with her even in old age.
We will miss you, Aunty Ida
C’est avec une grande tristesse que je dis au revoir à ma chère marraine Ida
Mes chères cousines et toute leur famille je suis en pensées avec vous pour cette séparation et je partage votre peine.
Ida est la dernière à nous quitter de sa génération.