Obituary of Ursula Maria Stephenson

April 2, 1947 – Bliesransbach, Saarland, Germany

October 2, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ursula Maria Stephenson (nee Peter) of Calgary, AB, on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the age of 76 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Ursula was born on April 2, 1947, in Bliesransbach, Germany, to Ernst and Hedwig. She came to Canada at the age of 9, when her stepfather Alois had settled here and sent for Hedwig and Ursula to join him.

Ursula enjoyed many careers over the years; baker, sales, hair stylist, market researcher, but most importantly, she was a homemaker raising her four children and supporting her husband, Robert.

Ursula had a vibrant personality, she was quick-witted, intelligent, and had a great sense of humour. She had a magnetic, no-nonsense personality and she either terrified you or you were quickly embraced into her inner circle.

She enjoyed being with people and was always the life of the party, especially if schnapps was available. Ursula was an avid card player, bingo dabber, and loved cheering on her children at the hockey rink or on the soccer pitch.

Ursula quickly adopted the customs of her new home. Embracing the culture and festivities of the Calgary Stampede, she loved the pancake breakfasts and attending the grounds multiple times each year to enjoy the tasty treats, go on the rides, and play all the midway games, bringing out her inner child. She passed on this love to her whole family and many of our fondest memories are of being together on the Stampede grounds.

Ursula’s life was full of adventure, she loved to travel and was well-known for her cooking and baking skills. She loved her soap operas, stitch and bitch evenings with the girls, and finding the best deals around. If there were none to be had, she’d haggle until she got one.

The house was always open to her children’s friends, and she would often join in on the fun. Ursula was proud of her family and loved becoming Oma. She could not get enough cuddles and loved spoiling and being spoiled by her four grandchildren.

Ursula is survived by her children Christine (Brent), Ron, Tania, and Troy (Lily); her grandchildren Tracey (Brandon), Lily, Josie, Xavier, Galen, Mackenzie (Mason); sisters-in-law Delyse, Marilyn (Bob), and Kate; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews in Germany and around the world. Ursula joined her husband, Robert, just ten months after his passing.

As per our mother’s wishes, there will be no funeral service, and a Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

“Don’t think of her as gone away her journey’s just begun life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing, but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.”

- Her Journey’s Just Begun, Author Unknown

In living memory of Ursula Stephenson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.