Tania Ursin

Our beloved Tania, Oma, mom just celebrated 90 years on this earth. She lived through an extraordinary time in history touching many lives in the process. She passed away in her own bed, in her own home living independently and feeling blessed to the end.

She was born in, what is now, Lviv, Ukraine to Hedwig and Zenon. Her life was marked by World War II. In 1939 her family was allowed to move west to Vienna, Austria, escaping Communist rule. Both in Ukraine and in Austria she was educated in boarding schools. By the time she was 15 she had lost both parents. In 1950, Tania came to the United States alone with her younger sister Irene through the International Relief Organization and Catholic Charities. This began her great love and devotion to this, her “chosen country.” She was fortunate to attend and graduate from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York in 1956. During this time, she met the love of her life, young resident Ekhard Ursin. He befriended her during a bout of TB. Upon graduation Tania became a social worker for a state agency following adopted children in Long Island, NY. A perfect position which merged her love for children with her genuine interest in deeply knowing each person she encountered. Ek and Tania were married in 1958 in Innsbruck, Austria. As Ek used to say, "three wonderful children" followed: Markus (Beth Laun), Harry, and Tanya “Spitzi” Barnicle (Brendan). Ekhard practiced medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon. Tania, in addition to being a fully committed loving mother, was an all-around artisan (handyman, tiler, builder, seamstress), voracious reader and sharp intellect. She had also been active in Portland Public Schools and the local election board. She was a devout church goer and grounded in an unwavering faith. Her greatest treasure were five grandchildren: Kristina (Eric Swanfeldt) and Alex (Jess Egner) Ursin; Annie, Jack, and Katie Barnicle and the joy of becoming great-grandmother to Cloe Tania Ursin (Alex). Tania and Ekhard were married for 53 amazing years. She lived in the Overlook neighborhood for 60 years, more recently being known for her regular walks to check on the progress of different construction sites; her tea and cookie chats with sister Irene; visits with an ever-growing community of neighbor friends; and taking joy in feeding her many dog friends along the way. She had such love and gratitude for this community who helped make it possible for her to remain independent in her own home. Tania is survived by her children, grandchildren, sister, Irene Hilbourne, and brother, Michael Meditzki (Julie Tower). Among the survivors is also a beloved feline Mitzli who was a wonderful companion to grow old alongside. She leaves us with a legacy of love.

A funeral service will occur Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 8818 SW Miley Rd., Wilsonville, OR 97070.

She will be buried after by family in Manzanita, Oregon next to her dear Ekhard.