Obituary of Ursula Erdmut Peyton (nee Pohl)

Ursula passed peacefully in her sleep in her 90^th year at her home in Ottawa at the break of dawn on June 12, 2026.  She joins her best friend and beloved husband of 56 years, the late Rev. Noel Christopher Peyton.  She was the loving mother of daughter Ulrike Shivaun Komaksiutiksak and her husband Jerry, and son Liam Hartmut Peyton and his wife Susan.  She was the beloved Grandma / Great Grandma to Simik; Tyler; Alyssa and Jesus; William and Geeteeta, Kukilasa, Idlout; Christopher and Kianna, Inuujaq; Mikka and Oliver, Aati, Ooliniq Erdmut.  Ursula is cherished and remembered by many nieces, nephews, and relatives in Canada, Ireland, Germany and the United States.  She joins her parents Arthur and Sophie Pohl and her older siblings Margaret, Herman, and Bernard.

Born in Einbeck, Germany, Ursula immigrated with her parents to Canada at the age of 16 and met Noel at the University of Saskatchewan. They were married in Alberta in 1960 bringing rich German and Irish culture together while embracing the Canadian way of life.  They had many adventures in Northern Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta before moving east to Ottawa in 1965. Ursula was a social worker for over 30 years.  She completed her Masters in Social Work in the early 1970s while raising two young children.  Always a trailblazer, Ursula rose to positions of leadership and spearheaded community partnerships that gave youth access to wilderness adventure and seniors to community services and in home support.  She completed the Canadian Ski marathon (160km) with Ulrike, learned how to downhill ski at 45 years old, and enjoyed the annual biking tour from Ottawa to Kingston and back again with Noel, and spent many beautiful moments in retirement as “Ursey” (Great Grandma) at the family cottage and at family gatherings.  In the words of her youngest granddaughter Alyssa:

“My Beautiful Grandma passed away this morning as the sun began to rise.  Her name, Erdmut, meant “courage of the earth” and she was the true embodiment of this sentiment.  She modeled what true courage looks like and how to overcome adversity with grace and a smile. She was thankful for each day and was sure to remind us of how lucky and blessed we are, and to cherish every moment. She loved nothing more than to be moving and outside. Whether it was swimming, walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, or biking, she was determined to be in Nature.  We will see her in every snowfall, every thunderstorm, every sunrise and sunset, every spring bloom and in the leaves as they change colours.  Thank you Ursula, for teaching us the importance of finding the joy and beauty in each day. “

Those who wish to, are encouraged to make a donation to their favorite charity in Ursula’s name.

For those unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join via this link: Memorial Service Livestream