Jean J Slack

Jean J. Slack passed away on September 8, 2012 at the Orchard Manor in Medina. Born in Middleport, NY on November 11, 1921, she was the eldest daughter of the late Charles D. and Izora W. Jackson.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Zoie Jackson and Dorothy Symes, and her husband Edward T. Slack. Her survivors include her children: John (Valerie) Slack of Medina, NY, JoAnne (Vincent) McAvoy of Penfield, NY, and Patricia (John) Sethney of San Antonio, TX; her seven grandchildren: Michael Slack of Cicero, NY, James Slack of Georgetown, MA, Patrick McAvoy of Attleboro, MA, Christopher McAvoy of Baltimore, MD, Bryan Sethney and Zoe Reilly of San Antonio, TX, and Erin Sethney of Santa Barbara, CA; and her seven great grandchildren: Patrick and Ryan Slack, Olivia and Vivien Sethney, Chase and Sloan Reilly, and Finley McAvoy.

Mrs. Slack was truly a Renaissance woman who passionately pursued a wide variety of interests and generously shared her time and talent with her community. As a charter member of Shelridge Country Club, she was the first women’s club champion. She was also an avid bowler, an accomplished sailor who participated in many Pt. Breeze to Toronto races, a cross country skier in her sixties, and a proud Buffalo Bills fan. She was a graduate of Skidmore College, majoring in textiles and fashion design. Her interest in ceramics led her to teach ceramics classes in her home for many years. Oil painting, knitting, and needlepoint projects filled winter months. Gardening and birding fulfilled her love of nature. She created spectacular herb and perennial gardens and loved sharing beautiful flowers with friends and neighbors. As a member of the Audubon Society, she traveled from Nova Scotia to the Dry Tortugas collecting a life list of more than 400 birds! Mrs. Slack was also a member of the D.A. R./Orleans Chapter, the Twig Association, Child Welfare, and an Eaglet Girl Scout who was a troop leader for many years. A dear friend once compared her to “a bird on a wire deciding which direction to fly.”

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or local memorial service. Burial will be in the Royalton Center Cemetery, in the Jackson family plot. Her life will be celebrated by her family at the Outer Banks, NC where she loved vacationing with her children and grandchildren.

Jean's family wishes to thank her physician Dr. Thomas Madejski and the compassionate caregivers at Orchard Manor and Hospice of Orleans County.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County, 14180 Route 31, Albion, NY 14411 or The Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina NY.