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Slemko, Frances

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FRANCES ELIZABETH SLEMKO (née Wadden), beloved wife of the late Steve Slemko, slipped gently into heaven, at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale, on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the age of 98 years.

FRANCES ELIZABETH SLEMKO (née Wadden), beloved wife of the late Steve Slemko, slipped gently into heaven, at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale, on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the age of 98 years.

Frances was born in Lethbridge on March 9, 1922 to Leo and Helena Wadden. She attended school in Lethbridge and then headed to Normal school to become a teacher. Her first school was in Jenner, Alberta. Her next teaching job was in Hardieville. She spent seven years there and then took a job at St. Joseph's school in Lethbridge, now part of CCH.

She met a special fellow in November 1947 and married Steve Slemko on June 30, 1951. They moved to a farm northwest of Coaldale, Alberta. Tough for a city girl, no running water, bathroom or electricity. Then the children arrived: Ken , Mary , Loretta and Rosanna.  In 1963, mom was asked to resume her teaching career at St. Joseph's in Coaldale, Alberta and finally retired in 1976, although she substitute taught for several more years. Mom has always been strong in her Catholic faith. Last year, she received a 75 year pin by the Catholic Women's League.  Faith has always been her strength and guided her through life.

Frances will be lovingly missed by her children: Ken Slemko (Kathryn Thompson) of Ottawa, ON, Mary (Walter) Coles of Coaldale, AB, Loretta (Kevin) Simmill of Coaldale, AB and  Rosanna (Tom) Stevens of Medicine Hat, AB. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Sarah Slemko (Trevor Schellinck) of Halifax, N.S, Kris Slemko of Ottawa, ON, Ken (Dana) Coles of Coaldale, AB, Angela (Nick) Hope of Lethbridge, AB, Mike Coles of Lethbridge, AB, Steven (Kathy) Simmill of Lethbridge, AB, Lisa (Jeff) Orton of Drumheller, AB, David (Brittany) Simmill of Sherwood Park, AB, Tom (Ashley) Funk of Medicine Hat, AB and Jim Funk of Medicine Hat, AB. She had 14 treasured great-grandchildren as well as brother-in-law Pete (Diana) Slemko and sister-in-law Jean Slemko and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Frances was predeceased by her beloved husband Steve Slemko; parents Leo and Helena Wadden; sisters Sister Mary Helene Wadden CSM, Stella (Ted) Weber and Theresa (Joe) Scales; brothers Charlie (Mary) Wadden and Ray Wadden; her in-laws Sam and Pearl Slemko, sisters-in-law Ann (Nick) Nastiuk and Mary Slemko; brothers-in-law John (Ann) Slemko and Bill Slemko.

A Prayer Service will be held at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Ian Gagne officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Ian Gagne celebrating. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be live streamed and may be accessed via Frances' obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Mass, Frances will be laid to eternal rest in Coaldale Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca. Seating will be limited to 70 guests for both services. Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.