Ulrike Lydia Johanna Peters (nee Schmidt)

This is to serve as a very short account of Rika’s time on earth, beginning with her birth in 1946 in Lenglern, Germany. She was starting grade 1 with her father-teacher when she was abruptly shipped to Canada on the Beaverbrae to begin an exciting adventure in a big somewhat strange country. Her parents were Waltraud and Heinz Schmidt. They bravely emigrated from post-war Germany in 1952, crossing the ocean with their 3 young children- Kristian, Werner and Ulrike. The family persevered and the children were all looked after well. Her parents laid a solid groundwork for her life, which carried on in her Caring nature, Complaisance, and Conscientiousness. Add to this her meticulousness and she had the perfect recipe for work and artistry, especially in her bed-making.

She learned the English language, went to school in Calgary, went on sojourns with her brothers to Spruce Cliff and gradually became a teenager, graduating from Central High School. She then studied Industrial Arts at SAIT. Rika was a gifted artist. Her oil paintings will be treasured for generations.

As a young woman, she met and fell in love with a handsome Turkish man, Ertan Ugur. Ertan rented out a room in the home the Schmidt’ resided. Ulrike and Ertan even spent a year in Turkey where she created lasting bonds with her new family. They married, bought a gorgeous home in Lakeview and had two lovely children, Kurt and Erika. Ulrike and Ertan parted ways around 1998.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family, Kurt and April and their son, Eejin Ugur; Erika and Sam Hughes with their two lovely daughters, Shona and Rosali; her brother, Werner and his wife Bonnie, and their two children, Craig who married Carmen and have two children, Leah and Andrew; and Kristi who married Yvon Dubeau and have two children, Domenic and Alexandra (Alli).

Rika married Klaus Peters in 2004. They lived in Grande Prairie before settling in a magical home in the country near Winfield, Alberta. Klaus and Rika created many works of art together. Klaus’ skills as a nature photographer complimented Rika’ eye for beauty in the visual arts.

With her endearing qualities Rika made friends wherever she went. Of special mention are Evelyn in Grande Prairie and Arla in Winfield. Of course there is surviving family in Germany as well; cousins, Heilwig, Dorothea and Karin, plus Aunt Ursula, among others.

We will all miss the sparkle in her eyes; her respectful and interested understanding, her thoughtfulness, patience, resilience and her generosity of spirit. Family was at the heart of her life. She enjoyed painting as well as creating beautiful digital images. Among her other interests are reading, cooking, organizing, camping, singing and spending quality time with loved ones.

Finally, Rika was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which she bravely befriended but inevitably succumbed to. Great thanks must be given to her daughter Erika for her nurturing care throughout the last year of her life. Deep gratitude is also expressed for Janice and all the kind folks at Prairie Rose Cremation and Funeral Services.