Jean Slaght
1930 - 2021
Jean Mary Slaght (Van Patter), 91, passed away peacefully on Friday September 17, 2021, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family, compassionate staff at Origin at Spring Creek and the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Jean was born and raised in Montreal, graduating from McGill University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She married Bill (William) Slaght in 1951 and moved to Calgary that same year. For 15 years Jean focused on raising four children, Nancy, Darrell (Sharon), Warren (Loreen) and David (Sue).
Jean received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1974 from the University of Calgary. She had a fulfilling 19 years of teaching grades 4/5, specializing in music and French. She retired in 1985 from the Calgary Board of Education and began her retirement with Bill in Canmore.
Not one to sit idle, Jean immersed herself in the Canmore community. She began handbell choirs in both the local high school and in the community. Jean volunteered at the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Bow Valley Literacy Program (an ESL conversational group), and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Stephen Lewis Foundation. In addition, she initiated the Canmore Seniors Association’s Lifelong Learning program. Jean shared her love of music playing piano at the Canmore United Church and the Canmore hospital for long term care patients. Jean was the pianist with the Poco Rit Ensemble for 22 years and was a member or the Valley Winds choir. Joyful in the outdoors, she was an avid downhill skier till age 80 and an active member of the Meanderthals hiking group.
In addition to her 60 years of marriage to Bill (1951 - 2012), Jean was most enthusiastic being ‘Nana’ to 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Due to current restrictions, a celebration of Jean’s life will be planned for a future date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, donations can be made in Jean’s memory to the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation, 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, AB T1W 1N2.
“A life is not measured by the number of breaths you take
but rather by the moments that take your breath away”.
