Otilija Straupenieks

Otilija (Tillie) Straupenieks married name Vinkels, maiden name Taurins died at the Vanderman Place Convalescent Home the morning of October 13, 2015 Mama was born in Liepaja Latvia on May 26, 1915, at the height of the First World War. Once this war ended, she spent many happy years in her birthplace culminating in her marriage to Reinholds Vinkels in 1938. This idyllic period ended all too soon as she and her family endured World War II becoming refugees in Germany and were grateful for the opportunity to settle in Connecticut in 1949. Reinholds died in 1967 and some ten years later Mama met and was able to spend much of the rest of her life with Janis Straupenieks becoming again a widow in 1996. The last years of her life were spent at Ashton Towers and the Vanderman Place convalescent home. She leaves behind two sons, Gunars and Valdis; their spouses Nancy and Sylvia; the mother of Valdis' children, Margaret Vinkels; four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, as well as many relatives in Latvia, Australia and Canada. Like many of Mama's contemporaries, her life was most eventful, covering half the globe; experiencing hardship and comfort; sadness and happiness. Mama was loved by all because she gave of herself to all. Funeral services will be held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church on 96 Oak Street in Willimantic at 11:00am, Monday, October 19, 2015. The church will be open at 10:00am for any that may wish to pay their respects before the service. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Vanderman Place for the many kindnesses to her over the years.