Sharon Rose Slauenwhite went to be with her Lord after a brief illness with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on May 27th, 2024. Cherished wife of Barry Slauenwhite for 52 years. Loving mother of Krista and Heather. Adored Nana of Mariah and Presley. Born in Summerside, PEI, she was the eldest daughter of Gordon and Cassie Harpell. Survived by brothers Gary and Stephen.
Sharon will be remembered and cherished for her love for God and for people; especially those who were disadvantaged or at risk. She worked closely with her husband dedicating 40 years to serving the poor around the world. She traveled to over 30 countries and was known globally as a woman who cared. She leaves an incredible legacy of lives touched. She was a world-class chef and collected recipes from around the world, recreating them in her kitchen. She is world-famous for her welcome home dinners prepared for Barry upon his return from his travels regardless of the time of day or night. But her greatest accomplishments were in raising her two beautiful daughters and building relationships with her cherished granddaughters. She will be remembered for her “Camp Nana” creativity.
Sharon had three distinct passions in life: her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her husband and family, and travel. It always seemed important to her to have these passions in the proper order, and she lived her life as a devoted Christian, a dedicated wife and mother, and a lover of people around the world. She is “Mom” to hundreds of children and young adults and a mentor to so many women. Her impact extends around the globe.
A Celebration of Life service was held at Gateway Church in London on June 8th at 11:00 am. We invite you to watch what was truly a celebration of Sharon’s life.
Click HERE to watch the beautiful service
The following are just a few of many the tributes from friends of Sharon and family from around the world…
~ Karen & Jacquelyn Taylor
Today was a Celebration of Life for Sharon Slauenwhite, beautiful wife of Barry Slauenwhite whom I served alongside at Compassion for over 20 years. It’s still hard to believe she is gone here from earth. Listening to the stories shared, you remember how bright of a light she shone to those she met and interacted with along the journey of her life. She is an example to all of us to live your life well, to love Jesus, to love others. To use your gifts as ways to reach others and let them know they belong. She didn’t try and live someone else’s journey – she lived her life passionately and she lived it well. Sharon was one of those people in my life that always made me laugh. Whenever we were together – I usually had tears from the laughs. And.. a new passion for coffee or a recipe. She was an encourager and always sought me out when she came to the office (if I wasn’t at my desk which was a normal occurrence.). We traveled together on a few Compassion trips – and I looked at some pictures today and smiled and remembered. Sharon – I will miss you. I wished we had that last coffee date together you invited me to. Your joy and passion for life will continue to echo in my life. Barry – you and your family are in our prayers as you continue to celebrate her, grieve her, miss her immensely every day. Today’s service honoured her so well.
~ Teresa Stracuzzi
~ Silas & Gracia Balraj
Barry and family: we extend our condolences to you and offer our prayers to the Lord for His peace and presence to give you comfort during this time. While our ministry callings led us in different directions so that we seldom happened to see each other, yet we watched with interest as God used you and Sharon over the years in such a wonderful way and with a global impact that was amazing. With gratitude we remember the past, and with hope we expect the future reunion when Jesus returns!
~ David and Carol Slauenwhite
~ Susan and Paul Gowan
Our deepest condolences from the Hillside Church community. Our congregation will be praying for your family as you remember the many memories that you had with her and celebrate Sharon’s life. May God be with you in your journey grieving this difficult loss.
~ Jared Both
~ Ruth Johnstone
Dear Barry, Krista, Heather and family, We love you, Slauenwhite Family! Please know that we are thinking about you all. Sharon was a remarkable woman and will be missed by everyone the world over!” Her gift of hospitality will be a cherished memory. Her love for gardening and beauty will continue to grow in others. Her love of creating fun-loving, family memories will provide comfort. Much love & prayers, Gary & Marvelyn Schell
~ Gary & Marvelyn Schell
~ Brenda Switzer
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife, mother, sister and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time. With much love and many prayers,
~ Lorna Wanzel and family
~ Martin and Susan Sandig
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you were very close to your Mom. I am thinking of you and your family at this very sad time.
~ Jennifer Carter
~ Terry Young
Dear Barry, Krista, Heather & the extended Slauenwhite families: We have fond memories of Sharon & the Slauenwhite family from the former Glad Tidings Church, on Wonderland Road (now Gateway Church, on Sarnia Road) May memories of happy times together keep her alive in your hearts until we see her again in Heaven. Our thoughts & prayers are with you as you mourn Sharon’s passing. Terri & Paul Clark (Pieter & Noreen De Vlugt’s daughter & Bette (2014) & Al (2019) Clark’s son)
~ Terri & Paul Clark
~ Linda Webb
In the Bible it talks about the virtuous woman… and asks who will find her? Barry found a virtuous and very loving woman. What a great blessing it was to meet you, I learned from you devotion to God and family. We will miss you dear Sharon… We pray that God continues to strengthen her husband, daughters and granddaughters. A big hug from a distance for the family.
~ Lizz De Colombia
~ Prince Dalim Roy
I have heard of your legacy of love from others (via Compassion Canada) for many years. I look forward to the day where I will be able to say thank you in person, Sharon, but in the meantime, I am praying for your family.
~ Halina Rose
~ Cary H Humphries Jr
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” [1 Thes. 4: 14, 16, 17b] Prayers to the family as you grieve her passing. May you feel the loving arms of the Father around you in these days ahead. May you find peace knowing that Sharon is now fully alive in Christ, and that her wonderful legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. Bless you all.
~ Cameron & Arica Mikael
~ Paul Omondi
