As the eldest child in her large family, a nurse, and a donor, Ida Notermans embodies the meaning of the word “kindness.” At 95, she believes in treating everyone with compassion and benevolence, and leaving a legacy after your gone. Recently displayed this kindness in an impactful way: through a legacy gift to Calgary Health Foundation.
Ida’s kindheartedness started in her family. She was the oldest of 10 children living in the small town of Boekel, Holland in the 1920s. Ida looked after her brothers and sister, as eldest siblings tend to do, and developed a deep sense of caring and nurturing for others.
At only 12 years old, Ida witnessed her country being invaded and ravaged by an aggressive dictator.
Although it was a dark time for the citizens of Holland, Ida lights up when remembering May 5, 1945, the day British and Canadian troops liberated her country near the end of the Second World War. She speaks about the kindness of the soldiers and how they selflessly fought for her country, something that she and her family were so grateful for.
Ida was a teenager when her father passed away. Ever the caretaker, she worked to help support the family until she enrolled in nursing school. It was there she learned what helping others in their time of need really meant, and over the next 20 years developed her nursing skills as a school nurse, a midwifery nurse, and a neuroscience nurse. She loved her work and helping others.
In 1975 Ida’s husband, Gerard, was presented with the opportunity to travel to Canada and teach German and French at Lord Beaverbrook High School in Calgary. The couple moved and Ida, wanting to help again, found a job at Carewest Sarcee care centre.
She fondly remembers the incredible team she worked with there and how generously they helped support clients in their care. Ida’s kindness continues to shine through. Her compassion for others has deep roots and her legacy gift to Calgary Health Foundation will continue to carry her kindness well into the future. Thank you, Ida.
