It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Justina Slocombe on April 15, 2025, following a brief but very difficult illness. She passed away peacefully at the age of 90 at the Guelph General Hospital with her daughter Arlene by her side.
Justina will be lovingly remembered by her children David (Audrey), Arlene, and Duane (Nancy), and her cherished grandchildren: Mikayla, Mya, Dezmond, Meadow, Ivry, Karissa, Marah, and Aleena. She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchild, Myles— her “little man.”
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Grace (O’Malley) Dales, and her siblings Frank (Norma), John, William, Moira (Myles), Thomas, and Paul, as well as her sister-in-law Agnes and brothers-in-law Dr. Rolph de Gannes and Bill Varga. She will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law Mary, Anne and Audrey, and brother-in-law Welly and her close and loving sister, Sheila “Twiddle” de Gannes. Justina is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Born in Walkerton, Ontario, and raised in Cargill, Justina lived a life marked by perseverance and purpose. At a young age, she moved alone to Toronto to attend high school—an early example of the courage and resilience that would define her life.
She was married to her beloved husband, Dr. Owen Slocombe, for 59 years. Though she never enjoyed travelling, she faithfully journeyed to many countries by his side — driven not by wanderlust, but by love, duty, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Justina was known for her servant’s heart — always lending a hand or setting up makeshift schools both at home and abroad to help children and organizing prison ministry programs throughout the Caribbean. Everything she did was underpinned by her deep faith and desire to love and serve others.
She found peace in prayer, the Catholic Church, “birthday club” lunches, and EVERY family gathering. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, her weekly calls and FaceTime, and the quirky, unforgettable sayings that only she could deliver.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Right at Home Guelph, especially PSW Terisita, and to the wonderful staff on the 7th floor at Guelph General Hospital, with special gratitude to Lorena, Danielle, Krysta, and Teresa. Your care, support, and compassion will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27th from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM at Hart Chapel, Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will take place on Monday, April 28th at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, with a reception to follow. The Mass will be livestreamed, and a link will be available on her memorial page. (https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/105674)
In lieu of flowers, Justina requested that donations be made to Michael House Pregnancy Care Facility, a cause close to her heart.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, resilience, and a collection of unforgettable sayings we’ll never stop hearing in our heads. Whether it was “Golly”, “Clickety bang, lickety split!” or “Keep plodding on”, she had a phrase for every moment.
She could tell it like it is— “He’ll have five heart attacks if I tell him that!”—and somehow still make everything “hunky dory.” She reminded us that “it will all come out in the wash,” even when we weren’t so sure.
To Dezmond: “Here comes the wooden spoon!”
To technology: “Somebody put that on my iPad?”
To life: “Hot Diggity Dog”
To Food: “Marvelous”
And to the rest of us: “He’ll be tickled pink.”
So, we say goodbye the only way she would approve:
“Adios and Cheerio.”
