Ida M. Cadieux

Go-Go-Go! One last adventure.

Ida Mae (Starr) Cadieux died peacefully Saturday, January 10, 2026, at North Country Hospital with her son at her side. Ida was born February 6, 1928, youngest of six children of G.E. and Hazel Starr on the family farm, West Road, North Troy (a road to this day liberally strewn with Starrs!).

She lost her "baby of the family" status when nine-and-a-half years later, brother Durward was born, something she never got over. Growing up during the Great Depression on the farm, never hungry thanks to the garden and chickens, never lonely because of her large family, and never bored.

In high school, brother Jack had a best friend named Johnny, who joined the Navy Seabees in World War II. After the war, Johnny returned to North Troy — Ida had blossomed. Seeing the Starrs at a restaurant, Johnny stopped in, but stopped at the front counter. When G.E. asked for the bill, the waitress said Ida's bill (only hers) was already paid "by that sailor." John Cadieux had fired his shot across the bow. They married on the steps of St. Vincent de Paul church, not inside since it was a mixed marriage — Catholic/Protestant.

Starting a family was not easy; Ida got pregnant but had numerous miscarriages. Following the example of their friends the Lewises, they decided to adopt. Ida's maternal aunt Mildred informed them of an available boy at Vermont Children's Aid Society; soon, Peter was brought home. Two years later — a miracle as Ida gave birth to Barbara. The family was complete.

The family moved to Colebrook, New Hampshire, in 1962 due to John's employment. Ida worked at the local newspaper, a bank, and for the town manager. Ida, again, made many good friends there. New Year's Day, 1968, they moved back to the Northeast Kingdom and into the house that she called home until her passing in the big city of Newport. She was off the farm for good, never to return.

Ida worked in the business office of Citizens Utilities until retirement, making new lifelong friends. She was a busy, supportive mother as well. As her children progressed through school, she maintained a strict "open door" policy for their multitude of friends. Peter graduated from North Country Union High School, then Concordia in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Barbara from NCUHS, then the University of Vermont. Mid-college years, Barbara's behavior became troublesome; she was eventually diagnosed as bi-polar, an illness which indirectly led to her tragic murder at age 32. Ten trying years for John and Ida came to an abrupt end.

In retirement, Ida enjoyed antiquing, going to yard sales, and socializing with friends old and new at yard sales. She was a devoted caregiver to John as his health failed and eventually led to his passing 11 years ago. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was fiercely proud of her Starr family heritage; in particular, becoming like a second mother to nieces Sherry and Susan. Ida was always ready to go for a ride and another adventure — so wish her well on this last adventure.

She is survived by son Peter (Susan), granddaughters: Maria (Nate), Hana (Scott), and Greta (Dylan), and great-grandchildren Daphne and Clancy. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Newport, followed by a celebration of life from 1-3 P.M.at the American Legion Post 28 in North Troy.

Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.