URSULA ELSA BUROKAS (SPRANGER)

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URSULA ELSA BUROKAS (nee SPRANGER) September 18, 1927 - March 7, 2019 Peace has come. Love remains. On March 7, at 91 years of age, an incredible wife, mother and grandmother ended her journey of life to rejoin with her husband, Ignas. Leaving Germany in 1948, Ursula eventually came to Canada, via England, arriving in the spring of 1954 with her new husband Ignas and one homemade suitcase. Together they created a simple, yet beautiful life together. They worked hard, made sacrifices and raised two sons. Together they created a warm and inviting home in Winnipeg, and later a summer cottage at Lundar Beach. Memories of wonderful Sunday suppers live on. Everything made from scratch: spaetzle, knodel, kartoffelpuffer, rouladen with red cabbage, and the tortes. The boys never had typical birthday cakes. They celebrated with Black Forest tortes and other exquisite baking that 'Mom' lovingly made. Together with Ignas, they had many friends. Collectively known as 'The Happy Gang', many parties and celebrations were held. Oh what fun they had. Ursula had a kind and gentle heart, and a soft spot for animals, especially cats and dogs. She often made financial donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society, and the World Wildlife Federation. Mom loved to bake, putter around the vegetable garden and care for her flowers. Never one to sit idle, she enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting. Her hands were always busy doing something. She was a seamstress by trade, but raising two boys, she was also a referee, a nurse and counselor. Ursula was the epitome of toughness. Having worked on a farm as a little girl, enduring the war in Europe, immigrating to two different countries, and battling health issues later in life; she seldom complained and was always pleasant and gracious. Her motto was to "take things one day at a time" and to accept things as they were. Left with special memories, sons, Werner (Barbara), grandsons, Matthew, Michael and Christopher; Ralph (Dawn), granddaughters, Vanessa (Jon) and Courtney (Christian). She truly enjoyed her visits from her great-grandsons, Charlie, Alex and Eddy. In Germany, left with memories are sister Helga, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the caring staff from home care who visited her daily. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of Oma and Opa's life will be held at the cottage on their wedding anniversary, July 1, 2019.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2019