Obituary for Renate Kurnatowski
KURNATOWSKI, Renate Maria -- age 72, of Beaver River, Yarmouth Co., N.S., passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on April 10, 2021. Born in Diepholz, Germany, on September 14, 1948, she was a daughter to the late Wilma and Witold Kurnatowski as the younger of two sisters. The family were refugees of war, coming into Germany from Lithuania in 1944. Living in and near Frankfurt, Germany, Renate went through an education in languages and a work life in market research and later in publishing of a free ads newspaper. Two sons were born to her, Florian in 1971 and Max in 1990, each very much the focus of unconditional love and attention in the respective phases of her life.
Together with her son Max, Renate moved to Nova Scotia in 2000, as they had learned to love Canada's open spaces over many seasonal visits in the two decades before. Leaving her old life and home behind wasn't always easy, and she struggled with mixed emotions and feelings along the way. Music and poetry provided some comfort, Renate was a life-long lover of Leonard Cohen's songs and writing.
Renate eventually found some peace in her Nova Scotia life - she very much enjoyed walks to the beach close to her home, enjoying those wide views as well as the quiet sunsets, dramatic clouds and heavy winds. She would often collect rocks, driftwood, ropes and other items found on the shore. With paint, glue, and patience, she would create artistic pieces from her findings.
Together with her famous Christmas cookies, some of these would be given away to close friends and neighbours, always packed up in a customized gift bag showing her unique sense for arrangements. She is survived by her two sons, Florian (with partner Christina) and Max as well as her sister Margarita and niece Ulrike, with Max living in Alberta and the rest of her family in Germany.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Sweeny's Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yarmouth. Florian and Max paid farewell to their beloved mother. Given the current circumstance and restrictions, a private celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to florian-and-max@kurnatowski.net or you may sign the guestbook online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net.
Together with her son Max, Renate moved to Nova Scotia in 2000, as they had learned to love Canada's open spaces over many seasonal visits in the two decades before. Leaving her old life and home behind wasn't always easy, and she struggled with mixed emotions and feelings along the way. Music and poetry provided some comfort, Renate was a life-long lover of Leonard Cohen's songs and writing.
Renate eventually found some peace in her Nova Scotia life - she very much enjoyed walks to the beach close to her home, enjoying those wide views as well as the quiet sunsets, dramatic clouds and heavy winds. She would often collect rocks, driftwood, ropes and other items found on the shore. With paint, glue, and patience, she would create artistic pieces from her findings.
Together with her famous Christmas cookies, some of these would be given away to close friends and neighbours, always packed up in a customized gift bag showing her unique sense for arrangements. She is survived by her two sons, Florian (with partner Christina) and Max as well as her sister Margarita and niece Ulrike, with Max living in Alberta and the rest of her family in Germany.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Sweeny's Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yarmouth. Florian and Max paid farewell to their beloved mother. Given the current circumstance and restrictions, a private celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to florian-and-max@kurnatowski.net or you may sign the guestbook online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net.