Ida Kliewer passed away on November 18, 2011 at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach at the age of 96. She will be missed by her nieces Iris Kornelsen, Ruby Kehler, and nephew Abe Kehler as well as numerous other nieces nephews and friends. Ida was predeceased by her husband Neil in 1981, son and daughter-in-law Brian and Pam, and grandchildren Lisa and Michael all in 1989. Ida was born on March 20, 1915 in Niverville Manitoba. She met and married Cornelius Kliewer July 9, 1939 at which time she moved to Steinbach where she would reside for the remainder of her years. They had one son Brian who always was her pride and joy. After her husband’s passing she sold her home on Friesen St and moved to her brother George's apartments at Brookdale Court where she resided for 25 years. In 2005 with failing health she was placed in a personal care home. The event that most defined Ida's life was when her children and grandchildren perished in the March 1989 Dryden Air Disaster. As devastating as this was for her she demonstrated great strength and dignity through it all and continued to try and lead a fulfilling life. As a result of this tragedy and Ida's generosity, The Brian Kliewer Foundation was established which continues to support various charities and honours the legacy of her family. Ida's family would like her to be remembered as more than just a woman who experienced great sorrow and loss. Ida was a true Kehler which meant she loved people and socializing. In many ways she was a woman ahead of her time in that she held jobs outside the home at a time when a lot of her peers were not in the work force. She was able to use her considerable sewing talents first working at Reimer's Dress Shop and later for Ray's Interiors. Her many interests included sewing cooking baking gardening canning and fishing with Neil. Ida had a great sense of style and was a true fashionista until the day she died. During our visits with her she always commented on some aspect of our dress or accessories. She was a well spoken interesting woman who had a great sense of humour and a sharp wit that was appreciated by all who knew her including the many caregivers she had in her later years. Ida was a woman who lived a very full life. Ida was also a woman of strong faith who never doubted God's promise of being reunited with her family someday. Today she is rejoicing in her new home and we as her family rejoice with her. We would like to thank the staff at the Rest Haven Nursing home that have provided such loving care and support to Ida over the years. The funeral service for Ida Kliewer will be held Wednesday November 23, 2011 10 AM at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel with burial at the Memorial cemetery. Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service. Donations may be made to Haven Group, (Rest Haven Nursing Home), 177 Wood Haven, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K6