ALLEN, Ursula Verena (nee Wood)
Ursula was born October 8, 1930, in Grahamstown (present day Makhanda), South Africa and passed away peacefully at the age of 94 years on February 24, 2025 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We are heartbroken at the loss of our family matriarch. She will be sadly missed by her 4 children: George (Debbie), Mark (Debbie), Tamsin (Rod) and Toni; 5 grandchildren: Sam (Ashleigh), Lindsay (Ryan), Tyson, Ashley, and Alec (Penny); and her 7 great-grandchildren: Austin, Edward, Sloane, Bowie, Neko, Bryn and Elliot.
Ursula was pre-deceased in 2016 By Ted, her loving husband of 61 years. As a young woman, Ursula qualified as a nurse and midwife at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town where she met and later married Ted, a new doctor. Together with their young family, they emigrated to Canada in 1958, initially settling in Toronto and later, in 1965, transplanting their growing family to Victoria. In 1980, Ursula and Ted moved to West Vancouver where they made their home for the next 36 years.
Over many decades, Ursula remained a loving and dedicated mother, always there to take her children to swimming, tennis, art, and music lessons and taking charge of summer holidays and Christmas dinners. Ursula loved to travel and visited many countries and places near and far. In her own time, she developed her many creative talents. She loved playing the piano and passionately pursued her painting (active member of West Vancouver sketch club), drawing and craft work. She was also a keen gardener and a dedicated, life-long walker, rarely missing an opportunity to put in the kilometers around her neighborhood or along the seashore. We feel forever grateful for Ursula’s love, presence, positivity, and unwavering emotional support in our lives and we will cherish her memory always.
March 20th, 2025
Oh Granny…
What I would give for another walk on the seawall with you.
I met Ursula nearly ten years ago when my now husband (Alec Morgana) introduced me to his very special Granny… it was surprising to me that a young man was so close to his grandparents but, in no time, I could see why. Ursula was kind, maternal, talented, and just so interesting to listen to. We went on to spend countless hours talking, walking, eating sushi and Purdy’s chocolates together. Granny encouraged me to paint and explore my artistic side. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have ever dug up my old art supplies and started again.
I could truly go on forever about how much I treasured our time together, but I think the most important thing is that Alec and I are so grateful we had as much time as we did with her. She has and will forever change us and the way we look at the world.
I pray you are looking down on us and that you’re proud. ❤️ We love you and will love you forever. ❤️
March 20th, 2025
Granny, you have always been the most resilient and most positive person in my life. Thank you for picking me up from school, teaching me art and music, cooking incredible meals, and being the rock of our family with Grandpa. I will miss you dearly forever. With all of my heart, Alec ❤️
March 18th, 2025
One of the greatest members of the greatest generation. Ursula made the world a better place for everyone. She was an incredible grandmother to my son Alec. I will miss her a lot.
March 18th, 2025
I first met Ursula almost 50 years ago, when I was just 10 years old. She was an outstanding mother who always went the extra mile for her children and their friends (me). She was an amazing role model who presented herself with grace and kindness regardless of the circumstances. We could all use a little bit of Ursula in our daily lives - if we modeled her, there would be a lot less conflict out there! I will miss your Ursula! Thank you for feeding me, housing me, driving me everywhere and looking after me. I am forever grateful and I will always cherish my memories of you. Love Tracey
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