Ursula Gutowski

Ursula Gutowski was born on May 28, 1922 in L'Vov , Poland. She was the only daughter of Sylvan and Philomena Jakubiak. In her teens, she studied at the L'vov School of Music to be an opera singer. World War II cut her studies and career short. She was separated from her family during the war and would never see them again. At the end of the war, she found herself as a Displaced Person in Bavaria, Germany. With the help of the Red Cross, she was able to locate her parents who urged her not to return to Poland as it was under Communist Rule. She arrived in Montreal in 1948. Ursula showed great determination to master English, which she did by going to the movies. She found a job at a Cadbury Chocolate factory. She remembered how excited she was because anyone working on the assembly line could eat as much chocolate as they wanted while working. Ursula was surprised when she grew tired of eating chocolate. At a dance she met Tadeusz Gutowski, who had hid her boots so he could meet her when she was looking for them. They married on August 4, 1951. Ursula was a devoted wife and mother to George and Christine (Bill Hemens). Active in the life of the Polish hall Ursula was an avid reader of Science Fiction, a follower of politics, an expert at crocheting and sewing and was fiercely proud to be a Canadian with the ability to vote in a democratic nation. Ursula was a wonderful cook, not happy until the table would groan because of all the food on it. She and Tadek grew vegetables, fruit trees, and roses in their home in Montreal. She tended to her husband with love and devotion during his final illness. After that, she became a Eucharistic Minister at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. She moved from Montreal to Bracebridge by way of Toronto to be closer to her family. Her six grandchildren, Bettina (Adam Fimio), Brian (Hermia), Dominique, Michael (Dana), Phillip, (Katherine Brown) and Christina brought her immense joy. Her two great granddaughters, Caitlin and Rachel always brought a smile to her face. Ursula was known for her cuddles. She was a loving grandmother who attended countless, parties, recitals, First Communions, sports events, graduations and sleepovers. We admire the courage Ursula showed throughout her life. After a lengthy illness she died peacefully at the Pines with her family by her side on Thursday, April 23, 2015, 5 days shy of her 93rd birthday. Thank you to Kathy LeMesurier and Marj Shaw who were wonderful and supportive companions to Ursula. The family would like to thank the staff at the Pines for their incredible devotion to Ursula's care, happiness and dignity. We are forever grateful.

Visitation Details

Sunday, April 26th, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Service Information

Monday, April 27th, 2015 2:00pm, St. Joseph's Catholic Church