Obituary of Marie Elsie Slaunwhite
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It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of our dear mother who died on July 22, 2024, at Ivany Northwood, in Bedford. Mom was born on July 21, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Harold and Alma (Slaunwhite) Ryan (of Lower Prospect).
She was married to James Gregory Slaunwhite, her husband and life Partner for 78 years who she dearly loved.
Mom enjoyed a happy childhood and upbringing in Lower Prospect. Mom and Dad, were married in September 1945 in the Star of the Sea (Catholic) in Terence Bay, where they continued to live, raising their family of Five Children. She enjoyed house parties in her early married years and would be the first to hold her skirt above her knees and do a jig, just for laughs. Later in life she enjoyed card playing, sewing, her favorite daily shows were (General Hospital and Days of our Lives). Mom was a thoughtful, kind and caring person who many came to know and love. Her and Dad were avid campers and always owned a trailer or van, whereby they took the Five children every Friday night, when he got home from work (grabbed his guitar) and headed to somewhere, New Germany, Truro, Enfield, Rawdon or wherever their friends were.
Music was a big part of their life and Mom and Dad would travel throughout the Maritimes Camping with their children, joining the many friends and family who were mostly made up of musicians. They could sing and entertain crowds around the camp fires until the lights went out.
Later in life they traveled to Florida where they spent many Winters with friends and family. Marie and Greg would phone each of their children on Birthday(s) and they would sing "Happy Birthday", harmonizing like they could and continued to do that to the very end. She taught her children to be strong, and to be survivors, just as she was - thank you for that Mom. Mom and Dad sold their home in Terence Bay many years ago and have since lived in Clayton Park, Halifax and Bedford, and remained there for the remainder of their Senior years.
Mom's religious beliefs were deeply embedded at an early age and she continued to say her daily prayers to the very end of her life.
She is survived by her children, Elaine, Mt. Uniacke, Eleanor, Halifax; Elizabeth (Peter), Enfield, Bonnie, Enfield, Greg (Lisa Kaiser) Slaunwhite, Lawrencetown. She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Cathie Cameron, Glen Leet, Lisa Bastie, Barbie Enders, Jasmine Sageser, Nicole Slaunwhite, and Justine Slaunwhite. Ten Great grandchildren and Fourteen Great-great granchildren. Sisters Margery Brophy, Joan Parker, Carol (Wayne) MacDonald, Brother Rollie Ryan. She will also be fondly remembered by a number of nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by Husband Greg, son Tobias Bentley; daughter-in-law, Charlene Slaunwhite; sons-in-law Bob Molnar, Gary Purcell and Herb Evans, sisters Betty, Evelyn, Eileen, Effie and Muriel, brothers Dick, Ken and Jim.
The family would like to give special thanks to Staff at Ivany for taking care of Mom. Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Halifax. In keeping with Mom's wishes a Private family only gravesite service will be held in Star of the Sea Cemetery, Lower Prospect Road, Terence Bay at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, 5568 Cunard St., Halifax, NS B3K 4B4.
