Theresa Carmel Slavik

Sister Theresa Carmel Slavik 1928-2018 The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London Neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sister Theresa Carmel Slavik, affectionately known as "Tess", at London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Campus in London, Ontario. Sister died suddenly on Saturday, February 17, 2018 surrounded by some of her Sisters. Sister Theresa Carmel (Rita Rose Marie) was born in Viking, Alberta, on December 11, 1928 and joined the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1945. She is remembered with affection by all her CSJ Sisters as well as her sisters, Martha (Ken) Manning, Jo-Ann (Ted) Mitenko, Catherine (Ray 2017) Heller, May (Frank 2007) Sevcik, Shauna (David 2013) Paulgaard, Loretta (Ann Chateauvert) and brother Wilfred (Mona). Predeceased by her mother, Gertrude (Gallagher) and her father James Anthony Slavik, her brothers Leo (Rosemary), Robert (Colette) and sister, Margaret (Edward) Buchinski. Tess began her ministry as a teacher, and eventually, Principal, in Catholic High Schools in Sarnia, London and Windsor, Ontario, enjoying teaching and her interaction with young people until 1979. In 1971 she was elected to Congregational leadership where she served for 16 years. In 1988 she opened a house for at risk teens in Edmonton, Alberta where she provided a safe and accepting environment for many young people. Tess was much loved by her "kids", many of whom still stay in touch, saying that she was like a mother to them, helping them to stabilize their lives and start anew. In 2015, she returned to the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence where she continued to be a vital presence among the Sisters there. She had an amazing capacity to accept people as they are, never being judgmental or critical. She was always ready with a listening ear and wise and humorous perspective mixed in with good common sense. She was unflappable, putting situations into a bigger context and saying that life is too short to worry over small things. Her wonderful curiosity enabled her to explore questions about life on other planets, life after death, and many other interesting matters. She was not shy in sharing her opinions. She is already missed by her Sisters, our staff, her friends and her beloved "kids", who will always remember her as a steady presence. All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road, London, Ontario. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 21, from 2:30 -4:30, and from 7:00 -8:30 with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 22, at 11:00 am, with Father Richard Charrette presiding, followed by interment St. Peter's Cemetery, London, Ontario. A memorial service will be held in Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday, March 11th at 3:00 p.m. Place TBA. Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca O'Neil Funeral Home, 350 William St., London, ON N6B 3C7 PH: 519-432-7136