Idalija "Ida" Theresa (Mikalajunas) Horn

    Idalija (Ida) Mikalajunas was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, on May 17, 1934, to Barbara Mikalajunas (nee Zarskas) and Antanas (Anthony) Mikalajunas.  She was the youngest of three, joining older brothers Anthony Jr.  and Albert.  The family moved to Canada in early 1938, settling in Montreal, Quebec. 

    Idalija attended Catholic schools in Montreal, finishing at Darcy McGee High School in 1950.  She loved the fine arts, especially painting and drama.  However, her parents wanted her to do something more practical. So she attended Sir George William University (now Concordia University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1955, one of two women in the class.  Afterwards she worked for Bell Telephone Company for nearly 10 years in the Engineering Department, enjoying this demanding and high-powered work.  She later worked for Texaco in Montreal.

    Idalija met a handsome young German man, Gunter Horn, at a Molson Company picnic in May 1960, and they were married November 2, 1961.  Idalija and Gunter had three children, Veronica, Gunter Jr., and Beverly (Bev). 

    In 1974, the entire family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, when Gunter got a transfer to work at Sicks Lethbridge Brewery.  In Lethbridge, Idalija found work as the payroll clerk at Lethbridge School District # 51, where she remained until she retired in 1990.  As Gunter retired at the same time, they had a long and enjoyable retirement together.  At Idalija’s urging they learned how to golf and had many lovely golfing holidays.  They also loved travelling together and went to Europe several times, and went on many, many cruises.  Other highlights include the marriages of her three children, Gunter Jr., marrying Jodi Hutchinson in 1993, Bev marrying Tony Rosgen in 1997, and Veronica marrying Trent Takeyasu in 2013. She enjoyed being a grandmother to Gunter and Jodi’s children, Alexander James, and Sophia Marie.  Idalija was an accomplished cook, renowned for her elaborate Christmas cookies and her amazing pork roast and potatoes.  She continued painting when she had time and loved going for long walks.

    Idalija, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on March 10, 2024, at the age of 89, at the Chinook Regional Hospital.  She is predeceased by her two brothers, and her son Gunter.  She is survived by husband Gunter, daughters Bev and Veronica, daughter-in-law Jodi, sons-in-law Tony and Trent, and grandchildren AJ and Sophie. She will be remembered as a loving and adventurous person, who cared deeply for her family and friends.

    In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ida's name to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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