Ossenburg_ursula

Jeff Green | Dec 10, 2009

Ursula and her art at her home in Cloyne last summer

It is with great sadness and regret that we learned of the recent passing of Cloyne resident and painter Ursula Ossenberg, who passed away suddenly at KGH after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in a small town in East Germany, Ursula came to Canada in 1960 and moved to the area after purchasing the Aragain Lodge near Cloyne, which she ran with family members for a number of years.

She later settled in Cloyne, where she lived and painted in her home studio. A painter for over 30 years, Ursula quickly became a well-loved and respected member of the arts community and was a passionate arts enthusiast.

She was instrumental in starting two major art events in Cloyne: the Cloyne Studio Tour and the Cloyne Showcase. She was also on the committee of the Bon Echo Art Show & Sale, as well as being a participant in the show. Further afield, Ursula participated in the Inroads Studio Tour for a number of years.

One of her many passions was oil painting and her subjects included nature, wildflowers, rocky lakes shores and the majestic beauty of Bon Echo Park located near her home.

Ursula was also an avid gardener and a member of the Friends of Bon Echo and the Cloyne Gardening Club. A fierce animal lover, her neighbors often left their pets with her to baby sit.

Ursula is remembered by good friends for her quick and ironic wit and her fabulous cooking.

She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends here and in Germany. Ursula’s family will be receiving friends at the Maschke Funeral Home in Northbrook on Saturday Dec. 12 from 10 –11 a.m. and a celebration of Ursula’s life will follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel.