Julie Slack (nee Gagnon)

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of Julie “Jules” Slack, just shy of her 79th birthday. She passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2025, surrounded by love and prayer.

Julie was the cherished mother of Kari Wright and Staci Hall, and the proud grandmother of Taylor, Emma, Sam, Noah, and Piper Willow. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren — Abigail, Cyarra, Callan, Zoey, and Reid — and a legacy of faith, strength, and love that will live on in all of them.

For the past 15 + years, Julie made her home in Oakville, Ontario with her youngest daughter Staci, son-in-law Greg, and grandchildren Noah and Piper Willow, where she was both deeply loved and lovingly cared for.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Donn Richard Slack (Rick), her first husband Stuart Wright, her sister Gerry, and her brother John. She is survived by her siblings Province, Genevieve (Genny), Angel, and Albert — all of whom shared in her roots, her stories, and her deep love for family. She also had a true fondness for her friend Linda Peluso whose visits, filled with soulful conversations, were always a highlight of her week.

Julie began her working life as a Registered Nursing Assistant, but once she became a mother, she devoted herself entirely to her family and home — roles she never took lightly and always embraced with total dedication. She was a woman of simple pleasures and strong convictions, and she knew exactly who she was: a daughter of God first and foremost.

Julie’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. Consecrated to Mary and a passionate lover of Church history and doctrine, she lived her days in joyful obedience to Christ. She supported children through World Vision for over 25 years, treasuring their letters like precious gifts, and was quick to share them with her family as tangible evidence of love in action.

In her earlier years, Julie loved playing the guitar, crocheting, knitting, and baking (often all at once;). Later in life, she developed a surprising fondness for technology — especially her iPhone and computers, which helped her stay connected and entertained through puzzles, cat videos, and daily chats with those she loved most.

Julie was a woman of contrasts — beautiful and blunt, devout and delightfully sarcastic, strong-willed and deeply loving. She never tolerated small talk but welcomed deep conversation. She had no time for nonsense, could be incredibly impatient and yet had a tender heart for animals, babies, and anyone who needed a bit of kindness. She had a fierce love for her daughters, often declaring motherhood as her single proudest contribution.

She was admittedly skeptical of men, but she had an unwavering trust in Jesus — and it was that trust that carried her through every high and low with grace and grit.

Her absence leaves a deep ache in our hearts, but we find comfort in knowing she prepared in life, for eternity with him.

What my Mom would love most is that whenever you think of her, you take a moment to offer up this prayer:

Eternal rest grant unto Julie, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

Details about the funeral Mass will be shared with family and friends in the days ahead.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Julie’s name to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or to her home parish of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Oakville Ontario.