It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Olida “Ida” Athanasion, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, lost her battle with cancer on December 30, 2025, at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her family, who will forever cherish the memories they shared.
Ida was born October 19, 1935, in Hillsboro, NH, daughter of the late Alton Bosley and Hazel Chase. She was raised by her Aunt and Uncle, Felix and Olida Bosley, who also precede her in death.
Growing up on a farm shaped her strong work ethic, resilience and deep appreciation for life’s simple joys and stories she loved sharing with family and friends throughout her life.
Ida lived larger than life and had a presence that lit up every room she entered. She found her greatest purpose in caring for others and helping those she loved, always offering warmth, encouragement, and compassion. In her younger years she worked in a toy factory in New Hampshire; she even got to make a commercial for the company. Later in life she worked various jobs and was a teacher’s aide in California when her children were still in school. She later retired and moved to Kingman, AZ with her late husband Thomas J. Athanasion. She found new purpose and joy providing care to children in the nursery at Hope City Church, (formerly Kingman First Assembly of God). She was known as Grandma Ida to all the kids she cared for and loved so dearly.
Family and friends were at the heart of Ida’s world; she cherished those moments. She loved dancing at the Ace’s Club with her sister, tending to her vegetable garden and making those around her feel loved and cared for. Despite the many hardships she faced throughout her life, Ida met every challenge with strength, grace and a steadfast positive attitude. She walked in love and gave selflessly to others until the very end.
She is survived by her daughter, Ritajean (Lawrence) Blake of Fenton, MI, her son, John (Sandi) Athanasion of Ontario, CA. She was previously married and survived by Marie (Owen) Snyder of Moose River, ME, Alfred Lambert of Sidney, OH, and Cynthia McLaughlin of Rochester, NH.
Ida was of French descent and was known to all her grandchildren as Memere or Great Memere. She is survived by 22 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Ida was predeceased by her sons, Thomas J. Athanasion Jr. and Robert Athanasion, her sister, Rita Desjardins, and brother, Herbert Bosley.
In addition to Rita (Lawrence) Blake, the family wishes to recognize granddaughters, Danielle (Connor) Burkett of Ortonville, MI, Stephanie Goodrich of Fenton, MI, and great granddaughter, Luna Burkett for their tremendous contributions to enable Ida to remain in her home as her health declined.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com
