Theresa Slate

Theresa was born on September 6, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA, to Annie and Daniel Neary, who immigrated to the United States from County Mayo, Ireland in 1924. Philadelphia was home to Theresa throughout her early years, and it was there she attended West Catholic Girls’ High School and formed friendships that would last a lifetime.

After high school, Theresa began working at Gulf Oil, where she met the love of her life Fred. They married on January 26, 1952, and shared 51 years of marriage before Fred passed. They raised six children: Frederick (Rick), John, Stephen, Jeanne, Terry, and Kathleen.

Theresa was part of a generation shaped by perseverance, hard work, and strong Christian and family values. Throughout her life, those qualities remained at the heart of who she was. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend known for her sense of humor and quick wit. She and Fred’s marriage was a beautiful reflection of love, commitment and devotion to one another.

Theresa was a dedicated mother whose life revolved around her family. She showed her love in countless practical ways, especially through cooking and baking - her pound cake and pumpkin pie were family favorites and boy, could she stuff a turkey with her amazing stuffing! Holiday dinners were always something to look forward to. Theresa volunteered her time when her children were young at their many activities. She spent time at St. Francis of Assisi as school nurse; she made meatballs for the May parade and volunteered doing whatever was necessary at the parish convent. Theresa’s children fondly remember her unwavering faith and the many envelopes she lovingly mailed to her beloved Pink Sisters, asking for their prayers and intercession.

Friendship, along with family, was another lasting source of joy in Theresa’s life. She cherished her close-knit group of friends (“sorority,”) who shared life together with good food, lots of laughter, and day trips. After Theresa moved to the Houston area in 1976, the friends would reunite whenever she returned home to Pennsylvania. She built wonderful friendships in Texas too, including a friend’s group that met weekly for lunch and a movie. And she especially looked forward to the family tradition of Friday night dinner —a time dedicated to enjoying one another’s company.

Theresa was blessed with a long and remarkable life, enriched by faith, family, friendship, laughter, and treasured memories. The love she gave and the traditions she helped create will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred; her parents, Annie and Daniel Neary; her siblings, Mae Geheran, Jimmy Neary, John Neary, and Ann Dearman; her son, Stephen Slate; and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Slate.

She is survived by five of her children: Rick Slate of Springfield, PA; John (Terrie) Slate of Holmes, PA; Jeanne (Bob) Bodkin of Newtown Square, PA; Terry (Scott) Bratton of Katy, TX and Kathleen (David) Hunter of Southlake, TX, 14 grandchildren: Shannon (Greg) Nieberle of West Chester, PA; Jennifer (Frank) Redding of Springfield, PA; Krista (Sean) Gallagher of Elkton, MD; Anne-Marie (Vince) Slate of Holmes, PA; Daniel Slate of Bella Vista, AR; Rebecca Slate of Duncan, OK; Christopher (Lauren) Bodkin of Columbia, MD; Erin (Nick) Ciccarelli of Glen Mills, PA; Kerry (Kevin) Savercool of Silver Springs, MD; Kristin (Kristopher) Oroz of Katy, TX; Callie (Lorne) Ramoni of Grapevine, TX; Tyler (Marlee) Hunter of Grapevine, TX; Madysen (Alex) Gurun of Fort Worth, TX; Colton Hunter of Southlake, TX, 29 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Sunrise of Cinco Ranch for becoming part of our family during the three years Theresa resided there.

A funeral mass will be held at 9:45 am. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, Katy, TX followed by the Rite of Committal at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079.

The family will then welcome friends to join them for a luncheon celebrating Theresa’s life at 1:00 p.m. at Escalante’s, 12821 Kimberley Ln, Houston, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made to (Pink Sisters): Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, Covenant of Divine Love, 2212 Green Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130-3197.