Ursula Kessler (nee Langer, also fondly called Oma by family and friends) has sadly left our world on February 17, 2021. At the age of 92 years, she was taken by the devastating Corona virus that has spread pandemically. Given her age and the complications that arose, despite her characteristic fight to survive, her body had to succumb, with her daughter by her side.
Ursula, as she was proud to declare, means 'Bear' (Ursa in Latin), a name well-given to a woman of strength, yet soft with the cuddly affection of a teddy bear. This strength was demonstrated during her lifetime challenges that began soon after she was born. She lost her natural mother when she was a few months old, ironically, to the epidemic of that time - tuberculosis. She was raised by a loving father who travelled for his work, and a cruel step-mother who abused her. This made her even stronger, having to leave home at the age of 14 in a time of war, and then facing the chaos that ensued.
Ursula eventually met Fritz on a farm in Germany. It was love at first sight and it lasted till the end. They married in 1953. In 1954 Ursula and Fritz embarked on their adventurous journey to Canada to start a life after having lost everything in the war. Ursula and Fritz were always grateful for that opportunity and proudly became Canadian citizens. They worked hard to build up a life from scratch and assimilate in a new country, have a family and live according to a strong moral compass with faith, honesty and simplicity within their means.
Oma's strength was ever present as she endured many more hardships. She lost the love of her life, her beloved husband Fritz, in 2008 after 55 years of marriage. Oma also had to experience what every parent fears the most - the tragic loss of her dear son Marty in 2015 at the age of 57. Grave illnesses didn't stop Oma as she found a way to bounce back from a massive stroke, two bouts of breast cancer in her older years, while coping with the confusion of dementia.
Yet, she had no problem to maintain that she was always blessed and had a 'vunderfull life'.
Oma has always been known for her cheerful personality, helping those in need, standing up for what was right, always thinking positive, and treating others as she would want to be treated herself. She loved to laugh and be laughed at. She was spirited and spiritual, with the highest respect for God. This respect transcended towards advocating for peace, equality and respect for all humans, nature and creatures big and small. Oma was thankful every day of her life, optimistic almost to a fault. Even when she was ill, she would respond that she was 'perfect' or '100%', leaving care workers guessing. Her years living in the retirement home, followed by the nursing home, allowed her to receive the best treatment from the staff because she was so likeable, pleasant and appreciative. Her stories, that always reverted to Family, were much loved.
Ursula leaves behind her late son Marty's family: his wife Caroline, his children Martin (Tamara), Frances, Jason and great grandchild Kaia, as well as Ursula's daughter Ingrid and family: her husband Richard, her children Erik (Pradha), Tanya (Michael), Steffi, Richard's children Ian (Hayley) and Dana (Dan) with children Ainsley, Mackenzie and River, as well as Heiko and the Leers/Kahmann family. She also leaves behind her nephew Juergen and his family in Breisach, as well as the relatives from the Kessler families in Germany.
Our dear Mother Bear and Oma will be missed greatly by so many. May she rest in peace as she follows the beam of light on the other side to be with Fritz, Marty, the mother she never knew (Luise Hiller), her father (Richard Langer), her brother Wolfgang, her music and laughter.
God Bless You Oma!