Charlotte (Char) Ann Deslippe, inflight to New Zealand, died unexpectedly of heart failure in her sleep on April 12th, 2018. Born July 28th, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa to Rose and Linus Lawler, Char married Robert (Bob) Milton Deslippe and immigrated to Canada in 1972. Prior to marriage, Char served in a religious community of sisters, completed a degree in U.S. History at Marycrest College in Davenport, and taught high school in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. She completed her master’s degree in Religious Education at the University of Detroit in 1972. Char’s 50-year vocation inspired secondary and post-secondary students in the USA, Fort McMurray, AB, and Victoria, BC. She retired from teaching at St. Andrew’s Regional High School in 1999, but continued her service as an Educational Consultant, eventually joining the Board of Directors for the Island Catholic Schools. Her accomplishments and accolades were many; notably, she co-authored a world religions textbook and developed religious education curricula for the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and BC. She was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association and was awarded the Benemerenti Medal for Service to the Church by his Holiness Pope Benedict the XVI in 2007.
Char was predeceased by her parents and brother, Father Phillip. She is survived by Bob; daughters Jennifer (Troy) and Julie (Hinrich); beloved grandchildren Leif, Faye, Briar, and Innis; cherished siblings Marilyn, Darrell (Carole), Loretta, and Tom (Jackie); and countless others touched by her extraordinary energy, spirit, joy and generosity.
A prayer vigil will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Parish at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 26th. All are invited to a Celebration of her Life on Friday, April 27th, 2018 at the Holy Cross Catholic Parish, 4049 Gordon Head Rd, Victoria at 11:00 am.
The family welcomes contributions to the Hanti Sidra One Global Family Society, supporting vital projects in the Horn of Africa, www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/HantiSidra/ including St. Joseph’s School in Keren, Eritrea, where Char and Bob volunteered as teachers.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
“Mom died one month ago today – it’s hard to believe, isn’t it? So many people sent along kind words and memories of Mom before the funeral. We wanted to share these at Mom’s celebration of life; however, we could not squeeze them in, as there were so many people present that spoke of mom and how she touched their lives. It was beautiful. Thank you, everyone, for being with us in person or in spirit that day. Your kind words, love and hugs continue to help so much!
Love Jen, Julie and Bob
29 Responses
Char was a huge inspiration to me and my family during the time that I had the honour to work with her at Fr. Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray. She was one of my most valued mentors, supporting me and providing great counsel through my development as a young teacher and then school administrator.
I treasure many great memories of hard work from day to day and on special projects and events, all with the best interests of students as our focus.
Char was unconditionally trusting and loving and her smile was always genuine and bright.
Char and her family are in the Cachia family’s thoughts and prayers.
R. I. P. dear Char.
Our sincere condolences to Bob, Jennifer, Julie and families. Char has left me much richer by knowing her and working with her. May she now Rest In Peace with the Angels, a place she deserves so well.
Phyllis and Hector Menard.
It’s been many years, but very sad to hear of Char’s passing. She was most kind and gentle all the times we crossed paths. And that smile. My family and I lived a few doors down from the Deslippes in Fort McMurray. Deepest sympathies to all of you.
Cher was a visionary in so many ways. She helped develop the CALM curriculum that is being used by all Alberta students. She will be sorrowfully missed by all those she touched. Mary and would like to share our blessings with Bob and Julie and Jennifer .
My deepest sympathy, she was one of the kindest teachers I met.
Craig jewer
Char was a wonderful person our adopted AUSSIE. Her honesty, friendliness and great wisdom was an asset we all benefited from. We will miss her greatly. Sympathies to all, our love and prayers are with Bob, Jennifer, Troy, Julie, Hinrich and Families
Char was a wonderful lady who thought the world of her students, including our son, Sonny Johnson and daughter, Jacque-Lynne. Our sympathy, prayers and thoughts go out to her husband and daughters, Jennifer and Julie and their families. Rest in Peace with God’s angels, Char.
My deepest sympathy… she was a wonderful human and teacher!! (Former student Karen Murphy, Fort McMurray, AB)
A light went out when Char passed into her rest. She was a woman who had vision, hope and above all faith. She believed that every single person was a unique gift from God and we just needed to find the way to open that gift.
Char was a wonderful colleague. She had more energy and vision than anyone I know. She always had plans of things to do, places to go and people to meet.
Now she is home with her Saviour and He will have different plans for her.
My prayers and thoughts are with Bob and their two daughters.
Sue Goldsack
St. Andrew’s High School
So sorry to hear of Char’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and the girls, Jennifer and Julie and their families. Rest in peace my friend. You’ve earned it.