Obituary of Ursula Kovacs

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the tragic passing of our beloved Mother/Omi, Ursula on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the age of 78. She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Steve; parents, Walter and Elise; brother, Ulrich; and sisters, Luzie and Ruth.  Ursula is survived by her children, Sandra (Kirk) Yaskowich, Steven (Robyn) Kovacs, Frank Kovacs and Michael (Sara) Kovacs; grandchildren, Brady and Emma, Eric and Andrew, Chloe and Aubrey, and Joshua and Jacob Kovacs; and brother, Dieter (Charlotte) Legien.

Ursula was born in Biothen, East Prussia in 1944 during a period of war. Her parents made the decision to move to Canada but couldn’t do so as a family. Her dad went first with the oldest daughter, Luzie, to earn enough money to bring his wife Elise and other four children to Canada. Ursula eventually came in 1955, where the family reconnected with their dad. Her mom played a significant role in providing examples of maternal instinct and of strong work ethic during her time parenting alone while facing the challenges of living in a new country.

In her new home country, Ursula had to grow up fairly quick as her dear mom died of breast cancer in 1962. Those years leading up to Elise’s passing were difficult and forever showed Ursula the deep values and love her mom had for her children. Ursula married Steve Kovacs in 1968, and started a family, maintaining the same deep values that her mother engrained in her. Ursula’s four children, Sandra, Steven, Frank and Michael, were all blessed by having such a wonderful mom who provided love when we were sick, fed us with home cooked meals and freedom to grow and experience life. Her hard work keeping four kids happy, clothed and healthy was not always that easy for a stay-at-home mom, managing a husband on shift work and limited to bus transportation. Mom was our rock for stability in the house and the glue that kept our family close. This was definitely seen during all the special occasions like birthdays and holidays like Christmas when we enjoyed mom’s baking and celebration of this special season. Mom’s purpose was family!

Ursula started working in the evenings as a cleaner at the Provincial courthouse.  She was later hired on with Millers Janitorial who had a contract to clean SaskPower which allowed her to work during the day to free up her evenings.  When the contract ended, Ursula was hired by SaskPower as part of their janitorial crew full time.  She built up a reputation as a dedicated, hard worker, that did exceptional work. In addition to this great quality was her kindness to the people around her. In her 27 years of service, Ursula made many friends and had great pleasure and pride in her work. Her performance was measured by her actions and was comfortable in voicing her opinions around those that were close.

After the passing of her husband in 2007, Ursula was forced to become more independent. Her first huge achievement was getting her driver’s license at the age of 64. This amazing feat gave her the confidence to roam the city like she had never done before. She enjoyed meeting family and friends, shopping for groceries and just driving to get out. This part of her life also included being Omi (Grandma). Her natural maternal instincts were so valued by us, and all the grandkids got the opportunity to get to know their Omi and the amazing mom we got to learn from.

Ursula also had many friends, who once you had her comfort, got to experience her opinions, kind smile and infectious laugh. Her emotions were real, and willingness to help were unmatched, which made Ursula so loved.

Ursula loved and cherished each and every one of her grandchildren. The kids loved going to Omi/Grandma’s house for visits and sleepovers. She always had homemade treats, chocolates, cookies, or something on hand. Ursula enjoyed playing card games with the kids and liked to win. When she didn’t, she wanted to play again. She loved Robyn, Sara and Kirk like they were her own children.

Mom never asked for anything, only wanted to help, and see us be successful. You will forever be remembered for all these characteristics and we try to pass them along to our children.

Mom, you left a bigger impact on all of us more than you’ll ever know. We are devastated to lose you so tragically in the blink of an eye. Our wish for you now and always is that you are at peace with dad, your brothers and sisters and your mom and dad, and that all of you are happy to be together again. Rest in peace Mom.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Broadway United Church, 105 Broadway Avenue, Regina, SK, with Pastor Jim Balfour officiating.  Flowers will be gratefully declined. If you so desire, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.