In memoriam - Ursula Loose

Ursula Loose Tuschkewitz of Gratitude passed away on July 15th in the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences PIMS at the age of 69. She had been suffering from cancer (lymphoma) affecting her spine. After a short stay at PIMS, treatment in Chennai during March of this year could not prevent progression of paralysis of the legs and the cancer in her medical situation was not curable. She returned to PIMS, where additionally she got several minor strokes.

Ursula came from Germany in 2011 and having worked as accountant for a large German car maker, she was readily welcomed to look after financial matters here in Auroville, half time for City Services, half time for Varuna. Though she could be at times somewhat strict, friends and colleagues much appreciated her often quaint German use of the English language, her great sense of humour, goodwill and hard-working stance in life.

Ursula lived very simply in a small, completely open house in Gratitude. Cats were her great love in life: she was an internationally well-respected juror for pedigree cats and would once a year travel abroad to attend international cat shows.

As one of her doctors mentioned, Ursula was a model of a life-oriented and affirming patient in a tragic situation.

Ursula’s remains were brought to the Farewell Centre where friends could bid her goodbye. The cremation took place at the Adventure burial and cremation grounds on Tuesday 16 July, where friends and colleagues honoured her with flowers and incense.