Born in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1942, Ida Sebastian was the youngest daughter of the late Swampillai and Jane Sebastianpillai. She was inspired to study medicine by her two older sisters and resolved to become a doctor when only five years old. She obtained her medical degree at the University of Ceylon in 1970 and completed her postgraduate residency training at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Centre in New Jersey. Following two years of practice in New Jersey Ida moved to Florida to become the first female Obstetrician-Gynaecologist in Palm Beach County, joining the Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS) in 1977. She combined clinical excellence with a gentle and caring attitude towards her patients by whom she was much loved. Following retirement in 2006 she continued her voluntary work at the Lantana Clinic until 2013. Ida was an inspiration and role model for young physicians and was highly regarded by her peers. She was awarded the honour of Woman Physician of the Year at the PBCMS 2019 Women in Medicine celebration.

Consistent with her deep Christian faith, her life was marked by her humility and generosity. She helped many members of her family and friends in times of need and supported many charities, both in the US and abroad; notable was her support of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Foundation, Project Access of the PBCMS 1919 Society, and orphans in Sri Lanka.

Outside of medicine, Ida had a wide circle of friends and an active social life. She was a longstanding member of Toastmasters International and served as a mentor to younger members. She was a gifted table tennis player and won several competitions in her youth. In her retirement, she indulged her passions for playing the harmonica and gardening, especially growing tropical plants.

She is survived by her sister Christine Rodrigo and was predeceased by her other siblings Juanita Wilson, George Sebastianpillai, Ranji Sebastianpillai, Benita Appadurai, Nancy Peramune, Sirius Tharmasenen, Lionel Gnanaseelan and Harold Alakeson.