Ursula Anna Pauline Boeker, “Mrs Ferdie” slipped away peacefully, hands together, on September 12, 2019 in Kamloops. Born in Hamburg on December 23, 1925, Ursula’s first eight years was a time of meager provisions, lost financial stability and night to night radical combative political chaos, Ursula was destined to be a survivor.

Ursula was daughter number 3 of 4 Marga, Irma and Gerda. Baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, the family was stable and had a loving home. Attending technical school Ursula learnt bookkeeping, shorthand and office management. That lead to a job at Katco Tabak, a story in itself.

On March 25, 1948, Ursula married Ferdie Boeker, starting a family with the birth of Lutz on July 20, 1950. Being young and adventurous, Ursula lived the classic immigrant story with a suitcase full of hope and ambition and Lutzie in hand, arrived in Halifax pier 21 on January 29, 1954. After taking a six day train trip, arrived in Telkwa in bush at camp, where an unshaven Ferdie was a faller for Fritz Pfeifer Logging. For a day in shock, Ursula never took off her coat wondering where she was and why she was here. It wasn’t long before the warm personalities emerged like Fritz, Pat Michel, Henry Anderson, Scalehorn and others made it feel like home. At camp, Ursula worked as a bullcook and match maker for Fritz, finding Renate. Saturdays were time to go into Smithers and do some shopping at the Parquette and visiting new friends Luise and Horst Kratz. A time for play for Lutzie with Jeanette and Irene. Highlight of the week was a Hamburger Deluxe at Hegy’s Café followed by a matinee at the Roi Theatre in Smithers, Life was good.

During breakup, Ferdie began some contracting of Home Building like for Fritz, Giglberger Farm House and Alcan Spillway. This emerged into the “Big Break” when George Heffernan of Skeena Building Supplies took note and inspired Ferdie to go into business for himself. In 1961, Ferdie and Ursula established Ferdie’s Building Supplies in Burns Lake with a $60,000 loan which thrived until sold in 1995.

Ursula’s friendships were often based around playing bridge, whist, skat and cribbage. She was a great sport and the main purpose wasn’t winning but being together. Ursula did crossword puzzles most of her life, always in pen, rarely a missed word or scratch out. She had an amazing memory for historical dates and peoples birthdays. She was always organized in her home and with business affairs. She tried to be philosophical and positive during the most trying times. Ursula lived well and against all odds, beating cancer in 1968, a 50 year survivor. Ursula is survived by sister, Gerda Irving of Olds, AB, son Vero, daughter in-law Brenda, grandson Chris and granddaughter Hannah. She was predeceased by her husband Ferdie, son Lutz and grandson Lutz F. Boeker. Thanks to all the wonderful, compassionate help in the last few years at the Royal Inland Hospital and Overlander Extended Care.