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URSULA LANGE
1927 - 2020
Ursula was predeceased by her loving husband, Gerhard Lange. Mom will be forever present and deeply cherished in the hearts of her children, Dirk (Ilona) and Brita (Dave) Chell. Ursula's grandchildren will carry forward their Omi's vibrant and curious personality, her creative mind, her incredible resilience and zest for life: Kristian (Cody and great-grandson, Otsonen), Dominique (Ado), Florence, Julien, Noémi, and Simone. Ursula was predeceased by her sister-in-law Nelly Rohde and is survived by her brother-in-law Gustav and Dirk, and Brita's cousins, Brigitte and Marita.
Ursula was born in 1927 in Oels and grew up in Breslau. She studied chemistry at the university, loved going to her grandparents' house in the countryside and the majestic St. John's Cathedral, her favourite church (she played a recording of the cathedral's bells tolling each Christmas Eve). The war destroyed it all and she ended up living as a "displaced person" in Halle (East Germany) before immigrating to Winnipeg in 1951, where she met Gerhard.
Mom's life was dedicated to others. She always wanted to return all the goodness she had received. She raised her children in a household full of joy where much time and energy were spent preparing beautiful and festive celebrations, especially at Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. Clear Lake was the summer destination and Mom braved the long ride there in her convertible Karmann Ghia with Dirk and Bee squeezed in the back. Upon raising her children and providing accounting support for Gerhard's business (Lange's Pastry Shop), Ursula committed herself to the work of Canadian Lutheran World Relief, organizing and expanding the refugee settlement program that assisted displaced persons and refugees in making Canada their home. This work took her around the world visiting and supporting various development programs and sites in developing countries. She regularly visited the UNHCR to advocate for better and more efficient global refugee policies.
Ursula was an accomplished musician playing recorder and piano, her beautifully trained soprano voice was pure joy to hear whether she sang lullabies or her favourite songs by Schubert and Schumann. Mom nurtured the musical gifts in Brita and Dirk, and they often made music together. She was a great supporter of the arts, especially the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She loved going with all her grandchildren to "Nutcracker" ballet and was still able to enjoy it this past Christmas.
After retiring, Mom became a full time Omi, having much joy and fun with her grandchildren: driving them around, making arts and crafts, reading and working on school projects, browsing together for great books at McNally's. She went every week to visit with Julien at St. Amant where everyone appreciated her cheery and friendly disposition.
Ursula also had a home outside her family: the church of St. Stephen and St. Bede. In this community, she was surrounded by a wonderful and amazing group of friends. Mom lived out of God's promise of love that embraces all peoples. She understood the human family to be a community and every person to be a neighbour. Her deep commitment to God, the church, and the neighbour has left a profound mark on many.
We would like to thank all our family and friends who have given us so much comfort during the last few days. Our heartfelt and most sincere thank you to the nursing staff at Grace Hospital (2nd floor) who were so caring and compassionate as they guided us and our Mom through this passage.
A Resurrection Liturgy in memory of Ursula will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at the church of St. Stephen and St. Bede, 99 Turner Avenue, Winnipeg. The Rev. Canon Murray Still presiding. Interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make donations in memory of Ursula to The Church of St. Stephen and St. Bede, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, or St. Amant.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2020
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to Dirk and Brita and your families. Your mother and Omi Rohde were the two nicest people I have ever met. She had an incredible sense of humour too! With love - Chad Kissack - Posted by: Chad Kissack (My great aunt) on: Mar 13, 2020
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Ursula: always with a big friendly smile; a Christian woman with a well-honed sense of both justice and care for human-kind; someone with a big heart, she made such a contribution to this world and set such a fine example for everyone she came in contact with. I am happy that I knew Ursula and Gerhard. And I offer my condolences to Brita and Dave and to Dirk and Ilona, and to her grandchildren who she loved so deeply... Cathie Lee - Posted by: Catherine Lee (friend through my parents) on: Feb 08, 2020
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Me and my family have met mrs.Ursula several times in Taizé (France). I see till now her smilling face and her eyes full oh comprehension. She was a fragile lady with enorm inner strength. We share the moments of prayer with all family. Martina and Marian, Prague - Posted by: Martina Hoskova (Friend) on: Feb 01, 2020
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I am truly sorry to hear that Ursula is no longer with us. It is as if a big part of my history, especially my Canadian history is also gone. She was so instrumental in my life. She was my mentor, a great lady! Her memory will for ever be tied to my coming to and my becoming a Canadian citizen. I loved her and admired her so much. A fighter till the very end! I will miss her sorely and her unfailing annual birthday wish and Christmas letters that brought me so much joy and reconnected me to my life in Canada even just a few weeks ago for my birthday in November and Christmas wish. For the first time in so many years, I could see that she was having difficulty writing- and said so herself- but never let that stop her. No way! I will miss those letters bearing happy tidings from Winnipeg. A life well lived. She was one incredible lady! May She Rest In Eternal Peace. My deepest sympathy to Dirk, Brita and families. - Posted by: Sophie Gebreyes (colleague and friend) on: Jan 31, 2020
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I called her Ursula because she got upset when I call her Mrs. Lange. She was a friend, a sister and a mother to us. We sent email to each other once or twice a week and we also used to end our emails with love and prayers, double double like coffee. Ursula, you will be missed but always be remembered. - Posted by: Ellen & Francis Martin (She was a friend, a sister and a mother to us.) on: Jan 27, 2020
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So many great memories. Thank you Tante Ushi. We will all miss you so much. Dirk, Bea and families, so sad for your loss. Love Brigitte and Oncle Gustav - Posted by: Brigitte DeLeeuw (Niece) on: Jan 25, 2020
