Obituary of Christiane Slen

It is with the deepest sorrow that we share the loss of our Mom, best friend and biggest cheerleader, Christiane Slen. She passed peacefully after a courageous fight against cancer in the early morning of November 28th, 2020. She has rejoined the love of her life, our Dad, Craig who passed away from the same disease in October 2000. Our Mom was the strongest, most dedicated woman. She was always there for us. She always answered the phone when we needed her. She supported us with the most selfless, forgiving, and unbiased heart. We remember the day she found out she had cancer in July of 2019, the very same cancer that took our Dad when he was 45 years old. Her first thought had nothing to do with herself. Instead, she focused on the impact it would have on us, reliving the same pain we experienced 20 years ago. She was devastated by the thought that her kids, all in our thirties, would have to be without parents. She fought hard and as a result, we got to spend extra time with our Mom, make more cherished memories and speak all of the words we needed to say to each other. She showed us all her deep strength, and her love and commitment to us and our families. The weight of her loss is immeasurable and we are heartbroken. We are comforted by knowing she is with our Dad. It is the peace we receive from the knowledge that they have been reunited that will carry us forward. That, and the incredible love and support from all of our family and friends. Mom is survived by her three children and their families: Justin, his wife Lauren and their son, her only grandchild, Theo. We are so thankful that Theo got 15 months with his beloved “Gaga” and we know that an invisible string ties him to her, and us all, forever. Our Mom also leaves behind Jeffrey and his partner Mike. She and Jeffrey were best friends and the treasured moments they spent together and their reliance on each other is a testament to their deep relationship. We are happy she’s joined the family dog, Mitch, and Jeff’s dog, Toby, who we lost in September. Both dogs lived with mom and loved her so. Our Mom is also lovingly survived by Julie, her partner Ashley, and her daughter Maleah. She was so proud of Julie. She held that special space of being her last born child. Our parents lovingly referred to Julie as their “little munchkin”. Julie and her family are in Halifax and in this difficult time, it’s been hard being so far apart. We know we are all connected, will keep close, and rely on each other to remember the love and memories together. Finally, Mom leaves her brothers and sisters in Québéc and abroad, Robert, Réjean, Marielle, Gaétan, Lucie, Gilles and Marie - and all of her nieces, nephews and friends. Our Mom had a few different health events in her last years which were taxing on all of us. We would like to give special thanks to the support she received and the help that was offered to help ease the burden on our family. We would like to thank our Tante Marie, her youngest sister. Marie flew in from Montréal on several occasions to care for our Mom for months on end, leaving her own kids and grandkids behind to support us. Her selfless actions provided constant support to our Mom and helped us through some very difficult times. There is no earthly way to express our gratitude to her and her children for her tremendous sacrifice. We love you so much. To her friends at the Sierras of Tuscany who cooked meals, provided transportation and emotional support. We cannot thank you enough for all that you did for our Mom. She knew she had found her home when she moved into the complex and we are so grateful to you for all that you did. As per our Mom’s wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. We hope to gather friends and family for a celebration of her life when we are able to safely do so. Our Mom was everything to us. We will live forever in her honour and cherish our memories and times together. “Oh, I'm in pieces, it's tearing me up, but I know A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved So I'll sing Hallelujah You were an angel in the shape of my mom When I fell down you'd be there holding me up Spread your wings as you go And when God takes you back He'll say, "Hallelujah, you're home" Forever yours and forever grateful to have had the most loving and caring Mom. We have been so blessed by you and we love you so much. - Justin, Jeffrey and Julie