Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
Slemko, Frances
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.
Guestbook (19)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Frances.
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dearly loved mother and grandmother, a very gracious and lovely lady who gave much to her family, and to her community.
Our Condolences with the passing of your mother and grandmother and our good friend
Sending our deepest condolences. Auntie Frankie was a wonderful aunt, hospitable neighbour, and strong pillar in the community. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories.
Our sincere condolences to the Slemko family in the loss of their mother/grandmother, Frances.
Sending the deepest of blessings to the Loving & caring soul you shared with so many.? You'll be truly missed.
So sorry to hear of Frances Slemko's passing. What a great lady and what great things she accomplished in her life. We respect the 70 guest limit and will leave space for her extended family.
Our sincerest sympathies are with all of you. We hope the loving memories you have of her will help you through this time.
Mrs. Slemko, thank you for all the beautiful memories you created for your school and parish family at St. Joseph School and St. Ambrose Church in Coaldale. I remember so many times you demonstrated your pedagogical love for us in your grade one homeroom in 1971. You were an awesome teacher. Every time I came back to Coaldale, you greeted me with your beautiful smile and always asked how my school administration career was progressing. Big hugs. We are going to miss you! RIP. Michael.
Good luck Mom on your journey.
Sending our deepest condolences to the family. We have wonderful memories of your mom as a teacher and a friend. We will remember her gentle, caring spirit; and her beautiful smile. We hope your wonderful memories surround you with love and peace.
Aunty Francis she would always say "Hello Joey" and have a little giggle. What a wonderful aunt she was. The times at the farm were always so fun as kids and the chase the ace games and other card games with uncle Steve. I can still hear her voice. Rest with the Lord and we shall meet again auntie and I look forward to the time when you say "Hello Joey" again.
Our deepest Condolences. We only met him once but through Linda, we feel we know he was a great person.
Sending our thoughts and prayers, she was a wonderful lady and will live on through all of you and the lasting memories she has left behind
Much love to family
Such a beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Heartfelt condolences for Mary, Loretta and families .
My sincere condolences to the family. Prayers and hugs
My sympathies go out to the family. I remember my time at the County of Lethbridge and how Frances was to me as a staff member. At any function she always remembered our names and she always made me feel so welcomed. May memories always hold her in your hearts.
A beautiful lady with a beautiful smile and a heart of gold!! RIP Frances. We will all miss you.
My condolences to all the families.. your mom will be greatly missed