Marilyn Slater, aged 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 30th, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thunder Bay, with loving family by her side.
Marilyn was born on February 10, 1936, in Port Arthur, Ontario, and remained a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. She attended Prospect Avenue Elementary School and Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. After graduating she took employment at a bank and later became an extremely talented piano teacher both in the schools and out of her home.
Marilyn met Ken during an outing at her grandparents’ family camp on Deception Lake. Love blossomed and the two were married at Trinity United Church on September 10th, 1955, celebrating 65 years of marriage this past September. As their family grew with the addition of 3 children, mom became the cherished homemaker, which included talents in gardening, cooking, sewing, and entertaining family gatherings like the 1994 Slater Family Reunion. She was the matriarch of our family and knew how to take care of everyone as a proud wife, mother, aunt and nana. She took pride in her appearance and instilled that trait in her family who always dressed for the occasion.
Her main interests were her family and her volunteer work at numerous church activities thru the Trinity Women’s League, including the famous Dessert of the Month and Christmas Tea at Trinity United Church. One of her greatest accomplishments was receiving the Provincial Life Membership award from Premier Dalton McGuinty for Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario. She held position of Director of Communications for the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario and was a dedicated volunteer true to her passion for helping those in need.
Marilyn loved square dancing and in the early days of her marriage started teaching square dancing with Ken calling. She was an intricate part of the start up and running of the Thunder Bay International Soccer Tournament for over 27 years. She also was a curler at the Port Arthur Curling Club both thru the women’s league and the mixed league helping host many bonspiels including the provincial playdowns to the Scotties Tournament of hearts back in 1996. Many Saturday nights were spent with close friends at the Club. In later years swimming at the Volunteer Pool and Tai Chi kept her active.
Travel was of great interest to Marilyn to explore the world and educate her family on her adventures. They made many friends in Arizona and Florida as snowbirds. They also enjoyed their travels with close friends to Scotland and Italy, Hawaii and Barbados. But they were always drawn home to their summer retreat at Deception Lake. They built a log camp and sauna by hand with minimal power tools. In later years a greenhouse was erected and their garden of love endured. She loved fishing and teaching her grandkids patience in a boat.
Marilyn leaves behind her loving husband, Ken, her children and grandchildren Ken Slater Jr., Kelly Daniele (Vic, Peter and Vanessa) and Kevin Slater (Angelica and Tiffany), her in-laws, May Lourie, Kathleen & George Matechuk, her brother James Miller (Linda), cousin Elaine Francey, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Gertrude (1999) and James (1968) Miller, mother-in-law Mary Slater (Bonthron) (1986) and father-in-law Matthew Slater (1939), cousin John Couch and his siblings, in-laws Joseph Hill, Norman Lourie, Marilyn & Robert Slater, Janet & Ken Thur, Charles & Donalda Slater.
We would like to thank Dr. Geoff Davies for his compassion shown to mom during her short stay at St. Joseph’s Hospice, along with all her nurses. We would like to also thank Dr. Minty, Dr. Lai and Dr. Mozzon for their care over the years.
Due to covid restrictions, a private Family Service has been held. Those wishing to view the service may do so on the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Should friends so desire donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital or Trinity United Church.