Ida Lorraine Miller (nee Carroll)

It’s with heavy hearts we share the loss of our beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie grandma, and friend, Ida Lorraine Miller. On October 1st 2025, Ida passed away suddenly and peacefully with her family by her side. Ida is lovingly remembered by her husband Brian Miller, sister Anne Street, brother Alan (Sharon) Carroll, children Beverly Miller (Hugh Cook) and Darren (Lori) Miller, granddaughters Alycia Fletcher, Ashley (Ben) MacDonald, Shae Miller, Morgan Miller (Robby Moar), Kami Miller, and great-grandson Noah MacDonald. Ida also leaves behind her aunts Louise Patsack and Margaret Boak, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ida’s joining in heaven her granddaughter Alexis Fletcher, mother Mae Carroll, brother Brian Carroll, brother-in-law Tom Street, mother-in-law Mary (Donald) Miller, and sisters-in-law Doddy (Don) Blight, Dawn Alayne (Jim) Galbraith, and Marilyn (Dave) Dreidger.

Ida was born on March 25th, 1947 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. She was raised on the family farm on the edge of town. She first attended Mount Pleasant School and graduated high school from Portage Collegiate Institute. She then completed her nursing diploma at MDC as a psychiatric nurse. While in nursing school, Ida caught the eye of fellow classmate, Brian Miller. They were married on ­March 23rd, 1968 and spent 57 loving years together. Many of their most heartfelt moments were shared while travelling with friends and family. Some of their favorite destinations included Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Portugal, Country Fest and many more. Ida worked as a psychiatric nurse/LPN at MDC for 10 years, but after having her children she found her true calling as a businesswoman. She started her entrepreneurship by building the current Dairy Queen location alongside Brian. She didn’t stop there and continued her business ventures to the Fort la Reine Motel, Portage Supermarket (Bakery Manager), and finally Portage Wholesale/Northside Market. She was very proud to work alongside her son Darren and sister Anne for many years. She mentored and cared for her staff, treating each and every one like family.

Ida was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Some of her most treasured memories were made around the dinner table laughing, playing card games, and sharing stories with loved ones, especially during the holidays. She believed the more crowded the house, the better and there was always room at the table for one more. Ida was an avid sewer, creating many skating dresses, dance costumes, and cherished Christmas pajamas for the entire family. In the winter, she spent endless hours in the skating rink with her daughter’s figure skating and son’s hockey. In the summer, she followed them to the baseball diamond and the Lion’s pool. Her love and enthusiasm carried from her children to grandchildren’s activities. Whether it was a practice, game, or competition Ida could always be found in the stands proudly cheering them on. Her unwavering support and magical presence were constants in the lives of those she loved.

Ida was an extraordinarily devoted volunteer and community member. She was a member of the Kinette Club, Rebecca Lodge, and United Commercial Travelers for many years. She was heavily involved in the Portage Skating Club, serving in multiple executive roles and ran the Portage Figure Skating Club bingo for its entirety. She could often be found working the door at Portage Terrier games and spent many hours volunteering at the McKenzie United Church. Her other volunteer pursuits are too numerous to mention, as she was always there to lend a hand. As many can attest, she welcomed all with loving open arms. Her generosity and selflessness were limitless.

“Bye bye for now”

A special thank you to nephew Brad (Karen) Street and family for always being there, especially for your kindness and support during her final hours.

A celebration of Ida's life will be held at the MNP Building on Island Park on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm, led by Rev. Leith Saunders. A private family interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed and recorded, to register and view click the link below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Ida’s memory to the Arthritis Society, Manitoba Division, 220 Bay St. Suite 300 Toronto, ON M5J 2W4 or UCT Portage Council 923 – Bursary, e-transfer: uctportage923@gmail.com Box 183 Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B5.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com