Obituary of Ida Louise Upshaw

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the matriarch of our family, a wife, mother and grandmother, Ida Louise (Skinner) Upshaw, age 85, of Three Mile Plains, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, where she was surround by her loving family. Born on January 5, 1940 in Sunnyville, Guysborough County, Ida was a daughter of the late Gordon and Bessie (Reid) Skinner.

Ida was married to her loving husband, Deacon Raymond, for 61 years. Together they had five beautiful children, Deanna, Rayvonne (Steven), Danielle (King), Raymond Jr. and Thane (Tammy). Ida’s most profound treasures were her grandchildren, LaToya, Nigel, Whitney, Steven, Kevin, Justice, Dakota, Aaliyah, Dalvin, Ty, Kayden, Nathanial, Kyan, Lynken and Lily. She was also blessed with 15 great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her loving brother, Charles Skinner of Montreal, Quebec and her best friend, Linda Gray.

Beside her parents, Ida was predeceased by sisters, Geneva Reddick and Elsie Skinner; son-in-law, Gilbert (Gary) Simmonds; mother-in-law, Mabel Upshaw; father-in-law, Chester Upshaw; sisters-in-law, Margaret Karamitsos and Rita Skinner (Clarke); brother-in-law, Irvin Upshaw and step-parents, James and Bessie Clyke.

Ida retired from the Nova Scotia Freemasons Home in 1995 after 20 years of service. She also owned and operated Ida’s Convenience Store where she proudly served her community.

She was baptized in Sunnyville Baptist Church on August 22, 1954 at the tender age of 14 when she gave her life to the Lord. Later in her adult life she became a member of the Windsor Plains United Baptist Church, where she served as Head Usher, on the Ladies Auxiliary, the Church Choir and Social Committee, etc.  

Anyone lucky enough to have known Ida personally knew how much she loved the Lord and her family.  If anything was troubling us, the first thing she would say is: “Pray on it. The Lord will guide you through.”

Ida’s family would like to thank everyone who supported them through out this difficult time. As well as the staff on unit 200 and the emergency department at Hants Community Hospital.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A going home service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23 in Windsor Plains United Baptist Church, 4841 Highway 1, Three Mile Plains. A reception will follow at the Three Mile Plains Community Hall, 4479 Highway 1, Three Mile Plains. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ida’s memory may be made to Windsor Plains United Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca