June Esther Sloan

Tribute by Antony Sloan

Mum was a very stoic, brave, but utterly humble woman. She loved her husband, her sisters, her sons, their spouses, and her grandson--in no particular order. She never quite got over the untimely death of her own mum. I think I know how she felt.

My Mum

Her occupation, profession, or focus of her life’s work:

Raising children, listening to music, gluing her extended family together.

Her favorite hobby:

Reading and talking with family and friends.

Your favorite thing to do with your loved one:

Tour her hometown and listen to her reminisce about her childhood.

Her greatest milestone or accomplishment:

Exceeding the "three-score and ten promised by God" by more than 14 years.

Something she taught that sticks with you, or her best piece of advice:

"There's more to life than work." I never listened :(

How pandemic conditions affected her care or your ability to support her in her illness:

I was exceedingly fortunate. Although my mum lives in the UK, I was able to visit--able to spend several weeks' quality time with her, including being by her bedside when she took her last breath. The logistics were horrendous--flights, testing, quarantine all amid the virtual lockdown of the entire country. But between myself, my brothers, and Britain's amazing National Health Service, we managed to make it all work; to make her last few weeks as comfortable as possible; and to see mum off in a very dignified, respectful manner.

If she were here today, what would you like to say to her?

You were the most important, most influential, most insightful person in my life. I will always love you and cherish your memory.