Ida Joan Tjosvold

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ida Tjosvold on Monday, July 24th, 2023 at the age of 84. Ida was born in September of 1938 to Palmer & Irene Tjosvold in Saskatchewan. In 1960, she married Michael Kushner and raised two sons, Greg and Jeff. Michael and Ida ended their marriage in the mid-1980s. She lived the majority of her life in Calgary, the city where she felt most at home. She worked for both the Calgary Board of Education and as Chief Clerk for City Council for several years but wasn’t completely satisfied with her career path. Her desire for fulfillment and learning led her to attend the University of Calgary as a mature student where she achieved her Masters and Doctorate in Sociology earning herself the nickname “Dr. Mom” by friends and family. She was a Tutorial Assistant at the U of C as well as a teacher at Augustana University in Camrose. She was deeply interested in social justice, politics, and building community. Ida is remembered for her unceasing kindness, caring nature, and willingness to accept and include everyone unconditionally.

Her son Greg remembers her: “The day I was born I first set eyes on the strong and wise woman who lovingly nurtured me even before I entered this world. The wise woman who would guide me, comfort me and teach me for the rest of my life. I think the greatest thing she taught me was empathy, and kindness. She went through many ordeals yet found the strength to keep on keeping on. My Mom had my back and was by my side through some very awful ordeals. I know I'm not the only one she gave strength and support to. That's simply who she was, and what she did. I love you very much Mom and thank you for all you do and for all you are.”

Ida will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her brother Jim Archibald (Sharon), her two sons, Greg and Jeff; her grandchildren, Tamsyn and Clyde, and many relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service for family and friends will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, 24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m

Memorial donations in Ida’s name will be gratefully accepted by the Canadian Cancer Society at https://cancer.ca/en/