SLIMING, MARY JEAN
Mary Jean Sliming (Bird) of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully Friday, February 5th, in the Palliative Care Unit of the QEII Hospital at the age of 77 after a brief but valiant fight won on her own terms against cancer.
Born in Birdton, NB to Winslow and Edna (Coburn) Bird, Jean spoke often of her experiences and love of growing up in rural NB while maintaining close ties with her hometown circle of family and friends. It was in the Fredericton area where she met her future husband, John “Jack” Sliming, a young Dartmouth man working in Oromocto NB. The happy couple married in 1961, returning to Nova Scotia to begin a family together. Jean was the finest example of a dedicated mother, both she and Jack made many sacrifices to ensure their children enjoyed a fulfilling and happy childhood. Memories of Christmas, family camping in Keji, winter fun, and countless summer and Thanksgiving trips to NB created a family bond which will last forever.
Jean always believed her place was in the home with her children during their early years, and forever cherished those moments despite an unusually healthy amount of sibling rivalry and practical jokes between her kids. In 1979, she chose to work at the Moirs Chocolates plant in Dartmouth and, as was her nature, provided over 20 years of dedicated service prior to retiring in 2000.
Jeans hobbies were many, with spoiling her Grandchildren (much to the chagrin of Lori and David at times) first and foremost. Gardening, reading, family dinners, her Church and walking with her “girls” in later years also gave her great joy, helping to complete what can only be described as a full, happy life lived with no regrets.
Jean was predeceased by her husband Jack, her parents, and big brother Willis.
She is survived by daughter Lori (Adam Clark), son David (Dawne Smith-Sliming), and seven grandchildren: Christine, Ben, Heather, Chad, Katie, Ethan and Ella, as well as brothers Donald, William, Dale, Gordon and their families, sister-in-law Joyce Bird, and several nieces and nephews.
As was her wish, there will be no visitation and her remains have been cremated. A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, February 12th 11:00 AM at St. Andrews Anglican Church at 8 Locks Road in Dartmouth (family flowers only).
In lieu of flowers, Jean’s final request was for donations to be made to the Dartmouth General Hospital or St Andrews Anglican Church.
Private family interment to follow this spring.
“I have enjoyed almost 77 years of good health, family and happiness, and am at peace with what is to come”.