SLEMIN, Joan (nee Lowe)

On January 19, 2021, age 100, Joan Slemin passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph.

Beloved wife of the late Dick, cherished mother of Elaine Caldwell (Jim), Randy Slemin (Teresa), and the late Kate Slemin.

Adoring Bubba to Chris and Kelly Caldwell, Jeff and Beth Slemin, Heather Alison and Alex Barnes. Devoted sister of the late Vera, Harry and Charllie Lowe.

Joan made a profound and lasting impact on every life she touched. She was a woman of faith and a prolific writer. Joan will always be remembered for her gentle, happy spirit, her beautiful smile, which was bestowed on everyone she met, and the grace with which she accepted life’s challenges.

Although small in stature, Joan had a presence. When she spoke, people sat up and took notice.

She loved a good laugh and when she threw her head back in laughter, she could send an entire room into hysterics.

Joan grew up in Mimico. After many years in Port Credit, she and Dick retired happily to Gravenhurst.

There Joan was honoured for her work with new, single moms and participated in establishing a much needed Seniors Centre.

In many ways, we lost Joan when the ravages of dementia took hold. The “long goodbye”, as it has been called, has mercifully ended.

But any relief we thought we would feel has been replaced by grief and longing for the matriarch we loved so dearly.

We offer immense gratitude to Joan’s friend, Clara Baxter, whose visits and flowers brightened Joan’s days and to the 2 North staff for their tender care.

“Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, in every step dignity.” (John Milton)

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Joan Slemin in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.