Ursula Edith (Poschmann) Reder

Ursula was born in Neidenburg, Germany on December 22, 1923. On Thursday November 19^th we said goodbye to our loving and devoted Mom and Omi, as she passed away peacefully at Glenwarren Lodge. Ursula was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Mathilde; husband, Alfred (2000); her brother, Hubert and sister-in-law, Lynne. She is survived by her sister, Irmgard Lischewski; three children, Christine (John), Barbara (Mark) and son, Mark (Brenda); grandchildren, Emily, Natalie, Justin, Jamie, Erin and Kirsten. To describe Mom as strong and courageous is an understatement and she has given this legacy of courage and determination to her six grandchildren. Ursula came to Canada in 1952 not speaking any English; arriving in Halifax and making the train trip across Canada and a further trip by “stage” to the small mining community of Bralorne, BC. One can only imagine what the trip must have been like in 1952. She had left her parents and her country of birth to begin a new life with her husband, Alfred.

Mom and her family had run from advancing troops as they marched toward Germany on the Eastern front. White flags of unconditional surrender forced the family to leave all that they had. Mom described herself as a benevolent dictator and always expected the best of us.  Mom never got angry but you sure knew when you had crossed the line. Ursula was a teacher by profession. When our family moved to Victoria, Mom went back to University.  A prerequisite for upgrading her teacher’s certification meant an English 200 course. Mom was indomitable in being successful at this class as it meant so much to her and to her family. Her determination and sense of doing her absolute best were attributes that were the hallmarks of her life.

Ursula taught at St. Patrick’s School in Victoria, for over twenty years and would still meet her students whom she always remembered. Her love of flowers and gardening were forever a source of joy even in her last years at Glenwarren Lodge. Her daughter, Barb was keen to make Mom’s garden space at Glenwarren reflect the season at hand from spring bulbs to summer flowers to a Christmas tree all year round.  A very special thank you to Bob and the wonderful caregivers at Glenwarren. You are a wonderful group of caregivers and made Mom feel safe and cared for.  Ursula, Mom, Omi will be dearly missed but always in our hearts         

“Mothers hold their child’s hands for a moment and their heart for a lifetime”

                                                                                                                       Anonymous 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at , 851 Old Esquimalt Road in Victoria.  (250) 384-3884.  Interment to follow at Hatley Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a charity of your choice.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com