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
I too was a former student of Mrs. Deslippe in Fort McMurray. Although I had not thought of her in years, her passing brought back many wonderful memories of a warm, caring teacher. May you rest in peace Mrs. Deslippe.
Michelle Hondl (nee Gauthier)
I was blessed to work with Char in Fort McMurray at Father Mercredi High School. Char’s faith and commitment to Catholic education had a tremendous impact on all the staff and students who were fortunate enough to meet her. Her life was a constant reminder of the compassion, understanding, and servant leadership that we all should aspire for. From what I remember of the girls, Jennifer and Julie, I am sure your mom’s hard work, prayers, and faith have prepared you for life. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincere Condolences to all the family from us, we met Char when they came out to stey with Max and Pearl Ford. A very lovely lady. We are also in Australia, Richard is Pearl’s brother.
Peter and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to Char’s family and friends. She touched everyone she knew with grace and kindness and though the years have flown by we remember her Christian spirit.
My condolences to the family. Char was my Grade 8 religion teacher in Fort McMurray and even gave me the religion award. It was my favourite class because of Char. She opened my heart and my eyes! I will remember her fondly.
Bob, Jennifer and Julie,
My condolences to you on the passing of your wife and mother. As she was to me, Char was truly a blessing to everyone. Her work will continue from heaven now. One more saint to cheer us on.
Dear Bob and family. What a shock it’s been to learn of Char’s slipping into the peace of eternity. My communities and I have offered Masses for her, acknowledging the pain of passing within the hope of paradise. Since our initial connection through the wild WYD pilgrimage to Toronto in 2002, we’ve shared a bond in gospel zeal and affection for young people. I join you in mourning and offer it up to Jesus in faith, hope and love. If not for a student mission trip to the West Coast, I would have joined you for prayers and funeral Mass this week; I will be with you in absentia. Fr. Dean Henderson UVic/Camosun Chaplain, St. Rose of Lima Pastor
Sacred to the memory of a woman of grace, passion and witness whose legacy will shine on in the hearts of many. Rest in the forever presence of the God you loved and served. We will remember you forever and give God thanks for the rich tapestry of love you nurtured and the love you leave behind. Working with you as a colleague In education and having you part of Holy Cross RC community was a gift in so many ways. A woman of profound witness will be remembered forever by the students she taught and the life she lived.
Father William Hann
Pastor Holy Cross RC parish
My condolences to the family, Mrs. Desipple was a wonderful teacher. She treated all of her students as equals and always took the time for each of her students. May you fly with the angels and watch over your family.
Former Student: Nancy Ladouceur, Fort McMurray, AB
This is sad news. I have fond memories of Mrs. Deslippe as a teacher; she was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. RIP Mrs. D. ♡