Obituary of ALOISIA SLAVICA (SALLY) PERUS

With profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Slavica Perus, beloved wife of Jacob, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

Slavica was predeceased by her parents, Ivan and Franciska Guzej, seven siblings and her beloved son-in law Silvo.  She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 65 years, Jacob; daughter Sonia; son Daniel (Loretta); Grandchildren Jeremy (Jenna), Matthew (Devon), Jacob, Julia and great-grandchildren Owen, Wesley and Paige.

Born in Celje, Slovenia in 1941. Slavica was the youngest of eight siblings.  She met the love of her life Jacob, in Austria in 1958 and they were married in 1960.  Immediately after, they immigrated to Canada to begin their new life together.

In 1961 their daughter Sonia was born, followed by their son Daniel in 1966.  That same year they purchased their first home and continued to live there until her passing.

Slavica was a devout Catholic and devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Auxiliary for over 30 years.  She was very active within the church and Slovenian community.

She was an avid learner and continued to enroll in various classes throughout her life.  In 1968 she opened her first beauty salon and ran a successful business for over 50 years.  Upon selling her business she remained dedicated to her clients often arranging for them to come to her home or making house calls to those who were no longer physically able to come. She continued to provide the service right up until her hospitalization.

Slavica’s love for the outdoors can only be matched by the joy she received from seeing her family gathered in her home.  She and Jacob spent countless weekends camping, fishing, hunting, biking, walking and cross-country skiing, many times accompanied by their grandchildren. Nana became known as “The Best Fisherman in the Family” and her grandchildren's protector against the creatures lurking outside of the tent. Nothing made Nana happier than seeing her family come together, her presence made any campsite feel like home, but there was never anything better than dinner at Nana’s. Celebrating holidays, birthdays or the welcome return of family meant Nana was once again providing for the people she cared for the most.

Slavica's care went further than the people who surrounded her.  Nana’s garden and flowers were her passion and happy place, especially her roses. She took care of them like a full-time job and was the envy of the neighborhood.  She could be found outside every summer morning as the sun was rising, watering and meticulously caring for her garden and flowers.  Nothing gave her greater joy than sitting in the back yard watching her young grandchildren and now great-grandchildren play.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Slavica cherished her family with an unwavering love that defined her life.  She was loyal and compassionate, always putting others before herself.  While our hearts ache in her absence we take comfort in knowing she is watching over us with the same love and care she always showed.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 95 MacDonald Avenue with Rev. Father Diosdada Parrenas, Celebrant.  Interment to follow at Green Acres Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Stubler, Matthew Stubler, Jacob Perus, Kevin Kuryk, Murray Stubler and Chris Wisniewski.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Paul Daeninck and the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care for their compassion and care.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Slavica’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba or any local charity of your choice.

The winds of change are blowing

days will never be the same,

your life was like a candlelight

but death has dimmed your flame.

Our love for you will never change

of that we know we’re right,

and in our hearts for evermore

your candle still shines bright.

“Počivaj v miru, draga Mama”

“Rest in Peace dearest Mom”