Obituary of Enid SLACK (nee Doyle)

August 25, 1921 – Hoosier, Saskatchewan

January 17, 2021 – Cochrane, Alberta

With joy and sorrow, we announce the home-going of Willma “Enid” Slack, on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at the age of 99 years.

Enid was born in the home of her parents William and Alice Doyle in Hoosier, SK, on August 25, 1921.

A sketch of her life story would include growing up on the farm and attending school in Hoosier (through the “depression” years), moving to Calgary to attend the Prophetic Bible Institute, completing nurses’ training at the Toronto General Hospital, practicing district health nursing in the Glendon area of northern Alberta, as well as completing additional specialties in public health and obstetrics. She then followed a childhood calling to India as a missionary. She crossed the ocean to India on the legendary Queen Mary ship and started directly into language learning and later nursing duties.

In 1952, Enid married Melvin Slack in Nasik, India. As a couple, they devoted their lives to sharing God’s love with as many as possible.  Then in 1969, Mel and Enid moved with their family back to Canada, settling in Calgary. Their ministry life continued with the eventual formation of a mission internship program called Venture Teams International. Enid faithfully and unswervingly supported Mel as he led this venture. Enid’s life was characterized by loving service to others. She continued into her mid-90s to pray faithfully and answer emails with warm words of encouragement and support.

As they grew older, Mel and Enid were cared for in the home of Duane and Andrea, then at the Lodge at Valley Ridge seniors’ residence. Not long after Mel passed away, Enid spent a few years in Cochrane, first at Sharon’s home and finally at Bethany Care Centre. The family would like to thank Home Care and the staff at Bethany Care Centre along with her wonderful roommate Norma for their care and support.

On a personal side, Mom/Grandma will be remembered for her love to all of her family, relatives and friends – things like bathing babies, sewing baby blankets, baking cinnamon buns and pies, mailing birthday cards, looking after everyone on camping trips, and just showing love in so many practical ways.  We will miss our dear mother a lot, but know she is with her Saviour that she knew and served by faith.

She is survived by her four children, Larry (Beth) near Medicine Hat, AB, Maurice (Wanda) of Edmonton, AB, Duane (Andrea) of Calgary, AB, and Sharon (John) Wicker of Cochrane, AB; along with thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  Every one of her nieces and nephews also had a place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of over sixty years, Melvin, and her siblings, Margaret, Velma, Corinne, Wilfrid, Harvey, and Miriam.

A Private Family Graveside Service will take place on Monday, January 25, 2021. 

A Funeral Service will be held for 20 attendees, on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. All others are invited to join Mrs. Slack’s service streamed live at https://tv.cochranealliance.com/en/c/2pm-a-long-obedience-celebration-of-enid-slack.3037 on the day of the service. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the organization Canadian Bridge of Hope is suggested which channels funds to Bridge of Hope, India (small hospital, children’s home, medical and community outreach, etc.) CBOH website: https://canadianbridgeofhope.com. 

Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.