Ursula Emma Karnas

September 20^th, 1936 – January 14^th, 2022

Ursula “Oma” Emma Karnas passed away at home on January 14^th, 2022, at the age of 85, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsons, surrounded by loved ones who will strive to honor her memory by living their lives to the fullest.

Ursula’s greatest passion was spending time with her family.  She had a special bond with her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and siblings.  Family was absolutely everything. Ursula, beloved wife of the late Siegfried Karnas, loving mother of Karin Eckert Carpenter (Bryan), Annette Miller (Paul), Diane Zambino (Richard), and loving grandmother “Oma” of grandchildren Ricky, Paul, Nick, John, Michelle, Joe, Erica (Terry), Justin (Jen), Patrick, and Melanie (Anthony), and great-grandchildren Kayla, Carissa, and Kovy.   Ursula is also survived by siblings Dieter, Horst, Gunther, Jutta, Rita, the late Winfried Mehling, and many relatives and friends.

Ursula was born in Germany to the late Albert and Emma Mehling. She met the love of her life, Siegfried Karnas, sixty-three years ago. On January 10, 1959, Ursula bravely boarded a flight and traveled to America to marry her beloved Siegfried. They established a home in Philadelphia where they remained for almost fifty years. There, they raised their three daughters and established a thriving business, Karnas Prime Meats. Karnas Prime Meats remained one the most successful wholesale freezer order companies in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas until the passing of Siegfried. Ursula truly enjoyed talking to her customers and remained in touch with many of them through the years.

The simplest pleasures in life such and singing and dancing to German music, playing the slot machines, tanning on the Wildwood beach, strolling hand in hand with Siegfried on the boardwalk, being the ski lodge grandmom, riding her exercise bike, traveling, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee and cake, brought the greatest joy to Ursula. Ursula was known for her excellent cooking and baking skills. She enjoyed preparing German dishes and baked goods for family and friends.  Ursula’s zest for life will be remembered with love long after her passing.

Special thanks to those who faithfully and compassionately cared for Ursula throughout her illness: Attia Kazmi, Jennifer Johnson, and Angie Whitley.

Family and friends are invited to attend Ursula’s viewing on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 204 Wayne Ave., Haddonfield.  A funeral service will be held immediately after at 12:15 p.m.  Interment will be private at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ursula’s memory may be made to Washington Township High School Scholarship Fund. Donations checks made to:

WTHS Scholarship Fund c/o Marge Litka

Address: Washington Township High School

529 Hurffville Cross Keys Road

Sewell, NJ 08080

In the Memo Section of Check please write: Ursula Karnas Memorial Scholarship

To respect the health and safety of all those attending, the family requests that masks be worn.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”