In memory of

Ursula Holt

December 24, 2020

Born in Woodford, Essex, England February 17th, 1933 Ursula was predeceased by her parents, Dorothea Agnes and Thomas William Osborne. Educated by the Ursuline Order of nuns at the convent school in Harrow Weald, she was determined to pursue an independent life. Joining the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Ursula commenced her nursing training which would become her signature profession. While stationed in Hamburg, Germany she had the opportunity of travel in Europe, camaraderie of nursing colleagues and an acquaintance with a British Army soldier, Philip Edward Holt that evolved into romance and marriage. Returning to London, Oz, as she was known to friends was focused on acquiring her Registered Nurse’s credentials, successfully completing Charing Cross Hospital’s nursing programme and UK RN examinations.
Charismatic, dramatic and always engaging she established many lifelong friendships with classmates. Times in London were spent at the theatre accompanied by her beloved brother, Petrus, the National Gallery, dazzled by the art of the Impressionists and Monet’s water lilies in particular and in the shops of Knightsbridge and Regent Street. Ursula and Phil were married in August 1957 and emigrated to Canada in 1958 aboard a Cunard transatlantic ship. Toronto was home thereafter: a first apartment on Avenue Road, a first house on Risebrough Avenue, Willowdale where they welcomed twin children, Cameron and Alison. Prior to staff positions at Toronto Western and Toronto General Hospitals Ursula was a private duty nurse for Lady Eaton at Eaton Hall in King City. She will be most remembered for her years as a Nursing Unit Director of Cardiology, D3, Sunnybrook Medical Centre. An exacting role model and mentor to her nursing staff she was a compassionate caregiver to countless patients and their families. She was a consummate sewer and designer of unique silk fashions. Her jackets were distinct for the colours and styles that she created. She was fortunate to travel extensively, exploring many parts of the world and of Canada. Ozzie was a grandmother to 3 granddaughters: Arden, Charlotte and Emma. She remarried in 2016 to George Akleh. They continued to share her love of travels and Toronto theatre. Ursula died at home on December 24th, 2020.

She is survived by her loving husband George; her twins, Cameron and Alison and Alison’s spouse, June and granddaughters Arden, Charlotte and Emma. The third in a family of eight children she is survived by her sisters Camille in Toronto, Cynthia in the Channel Isles and brothers Raymund and Paul in England.

Cremation to be held and a memorial service will follow at a future date at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Rd, North York, ON M2N 5Z5. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Odette Cancer Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5. If you wish to donate you can use either PH207-33 Empress Ave, Toronto, ON M2N 6Y7 or gakleh@gmail.com



Guestbook 

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Mila Peters (Friend)

Entered January 3, 2021 from Toronto

It is difficult to say goodbye to my dearest friend, Ursula. I will miss her compassion and caring, her humorous stories (told in a manner that she could only tell them), her way with the English language (she should have written a book), the ring of her laughter, her impeccable sense of style, and her presence that radiated energy whenever she entered the room.

As close friends, we were there for each other during our brightest and darkest moments in life - we always knew that we could count on each other.

Thank you for the gift of your friendship over the years, and thank you for always having my back, Ursula. I will always treasure your friendship, and will miss you every day. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.

George, Cameron and Alison, and all the members of Ursula’s family, my sincerest condolences for your loss of the irreplaceable Ursula.

Mila Peters

Tannen Horber (Friend)

Entered January 4, 2021 from Toronto

My sincerest condolences to George, Alison, Cameron and their families.

Ursula was someone in our lives who always was sincerely interested in what we were doing, what our dreams were and what adventures were planning next. We will miss her very, very much.

Tannen Horber

Linden Horber (Friend)

Entered January 5, 2021 from Toronto

My deepest sympathy goes to George, Cameron and Alison and all Ursula's loved ones who have lost this beautiful soul. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ursula and developed a great affection for our chats. Though this is an emotionally difficult and turbulent time we can take solace in the fact that she is now in peace and fondly remembered by many.

Ingrid Horber (Friend)

Entered January 5, 2021 from Toronto

My sincerest condolences to the Holt-Akleh family.
Ursula will always be remembered in my heart as a dear friend and I will cherish the times we spent with each other.
A true force who will be greatly missed.

Ingrid

Kastania (Friend)

Entered January 5, 2021 from Toronto, Ontario

To the Holt & Akleh family,

My greatest sympathies for the loss of your beloved, Ursula. My sisters are I were blessed with the times we had with her and will forever cherish these memories. Ursula will always be remembered in ours hearts with great warmth, admiration and strength. May we all find peace in recollecting the beautiful times we shared with her.

Kastania

Photos 

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