Our beloved mother Ülle Slamer passed away peacefully on October 31, 2020, at her home in Agris Hutrof House, Thirlmere, at the age of 90.
Ülle was born in Võru and grew up in Nõmme, on the outskirts of Tallinn. Together with her family she fled Estonia in 1944, spending four years in Geislingen Displaced Persons camp in Bavaria, before migrating to Australia in 1948.
She married Günter Slamer in 1952, and for 72 years led a happy, healthy and busy life in and around Sydney. She attended East Sydney Technical College studying Fashion Illustration and Showcard and Ticket Writing, providing her with a creative, professional career.
Her life in Sydney, like so many Estonians of her generation, was centred around the vibrant and varied cultural activities of the Sydney Estonian community. Her involvement included her work as an editor of Triinu magazine; as a frequent contributor to Meie Kodu; as a member of the Estonian Relief Committee; committee work for Eesti Päevad, as a chorister in both the Sydney Female Choir and Mixed choirs; as a member of the handicrafts circle and organizer of exhibitions, and most recently in her voluntary work for the Estonian Lutheran Church in Thirlmere. At the heart of it all was the wide circle of friends and relationships that enriched hers and Günter’s lives.
With her two grown children living and working overseas for many decades, she became what she recently described as a Flying Grandmother, making many memorable trips to America, Indonesia and Bali to play that important role, and to form deep relationships with her two granddaughters living in America.
Ülle was a very generous soul with a deep inner strength, and many people have commented to me recently on her ‘elegance.’ She made a point of maintaining communications with friends and family all over the globe, and was able to make friends wherever she went, including most recently at Agris Hutrof House.
Over the years I have always been greeted with ‘Oh yeah, I know your mum’ from different people every time I visited her. ‘She was an absolute gem!’
Rest in peace, Mama.
Born: Võru, Estonia 11 August 1930
Passed away: Thirlmere 31 October 2020
Loving mother of Walter and Ingrid, beloved grandmother of Ari, Oliver, Aiki, Rhea, and mother-in-law to Louise and Ian.
Service at St.Marks Church
Menangle Street West, Picton. NSW
Tuesday, 10 November 2020, 1.30pm.
