After a long, full and festive life, Virginia Mary Blank Slater passed away on Monday July 6, 2015. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Jay; her son Jay Bill, and her daughter Gloria. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Seitz of Endwell, her daughter and son in law Diane and Tom Williams of St. Croix, and her son David and daughter in law Linda of Denver. She had five wonderful grandchildren: Gini Till, Sarah Slater, Julie Slater, Michael Seitz and Justin Seitz, all of whom she loved and cherished dearly. Virginia is also survived by siblings Elwyn, Paul and Beverly; special relatives Rich, Erma and Stacy; numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and dear friends Ruth, Wilma, Jean, Jan and Fred and sweet little Ruby, among many others. Virginia was born on November 18, 1922 into a large family in Corning, New York. Over the years this family and then her own family with Jay were her focus and her pride and joy. There were always family outings, picnics and large reunions with the relatives. After high school Virginia attended and graduated from Buffalo State College. She married Jay in 1944 and they started their family together after the war. Virginia enjoyed music and enlivened the church choir with her energy and lovely soprano voice. Her love of books set the example for her children and grandchildren, all avid readers as well. In 1980 she finished further schooling to become a nurse and could spring into action at any emergency. She was an accomplished gardener and nature lover with an impressive green thumb. She and Jay traveled extensively across the United States to visit national parks, museums, important towns, and friends and relatives. Keeping in touch with others was a life-long pursuit and she touched the lives of all who were blessed to know her. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Hilltop James G. Johnston 2nd floor for the kind and compassionate care provided. Special thanks to Harry, Sarah and Jenny.
Funeral and Interment Services will be held Friday 4 pm from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, with the Reverend Mark Kimpland officiating. Burial will be in Maine Cemetery, Maine, NY. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Friday from 3 pm until service time at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a gift be sent to the charity of one’s choice.