Ursula von Byern (nee Janensch)

Ursula, affectionately known to most asUschi, was born on November 22, 1925, in Hannover, Germany, to Gertrude and Paul Janensch. She grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, and her strength and resilience shaped the way she lived her long and full life. Her childhood spent in her ancestral home in the idyllic small town of Bruchhausen Vilsen, Germany, living with her large family as the oldest of many cousins instilled in her the strong family values and traditions which she imparted to all of us until the end.

She married Manfred von Byern on New Years Day,1953, before immigrating to Canada the same year, and together they shared 56 happy years of love, laughter, and devotion before his passing in 2009.

Ursula was known for her hospitality, sense of humour, eating al-fresco, ice-coffees and her famous Hazelnut Torte served at her memorable Birthday parties. She enjoyed hosting gatherings – especially in her garden – art, music, theater, and gardening. Her greatest joy came from family trips to Germany and time spent with loved ones and her dogs, swimming in her pool until the age of 98, and the family cottage and lake at Lake L’Achigan in St-Hippolyte.

She is survived by her only child Karina von Byern and granddaughter Zoe Ursula Johnston. She was predeceased by siblings Ute Freyhoff (nee Janensch) and Rolf Janensch, and leaves to mourn her cousins, God-children, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral service will take place at Salon Funeraire Guay, 418 boul. Labelle, Rosemere, J7A 3R8 on Sunday, September 7 at 11 a.m. followed by an open reception at her home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Ursula’s life was a gift to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.