Unda Brechtel (nee Undite Jurka), 88, passed away on February 10th, 2024, in Longwood, Florida.  Her home was in Piermont, New York.  She was survived by her son Philipp, her partner John Durning of 19 years, her daughter in law Adele, her grandson Zachary and her brother Harold.  She was predeceased by her son Peter and her sisters Gunta and Ingrid.

Born 1935 in Riga Latvia, Unda was the daughter of Aleksandrs Jurka and Irene (Stesingers).  In 2000, her biography was included in "WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA" highlighting her life accomplishments.  After surviving the horrors of WWII, she immigrated with her father and uncle to the United States in 1950.  She received her master's degree in library sciences from Long Island University and was employed as a Library Director within the Oakland New Jersey library system. She was a member of the NY/NJ Library Associations.

As a Latvian, Unda was an active Lutheran involved with the Latvian Church.  She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and ballroom dancing, particularly the Argentine Tango where she competed in and won competitions.  She will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth and love of life.

A celebration of life memorial was held on April 12th, 2024 at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan.  Unda will be buried in the Catskills at the Latvian Memorial Park Cemetery located in Tannersville, NY on May 26th, 2024.