Obituary of Lillian M. Slater

Slater, Lillian M. of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully at her home on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was 75 years old. Lillian Margaret Messing was born on March 20, 1944 in Ruth, Michigan to the late Charles and Magdalene (Kirsch) Messing. At age 15, she was called to serve God as a part of the Adrian Dominican Order. During this time, she completed her Bachelor's Degree at Sienna Heights College and taught at St. Rita Catholic School in Chicago. After fulfilling 10 years in the Convent, God called her to move in a different direction. She began teaching at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School in Buena Vista and it was during this time that she met the love of her life, Paul. Lillian was united in marriage to Paul Slater on July 26, 1975, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with three children: Anne, Kevin and Jane and had many special moments with nephews, Craig and Jamie Messing. Lillian was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed sharing her talent with family, church and the community. She also enjoyed ceramics and gardening, playing Scrabble and doing jigsaw puzzles. Lillian was a faithful and active member of St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, where she volunteered with the Prayer Quilt Ministry, Catechism and Prayer Line. In her spare time, she was involved with the Friends of the Butman Fish Library. Lillian is survived by her husband, Paul; children: Anne (Wade) Wortley, Kevin Slater and Jane Slater; wonderful grandchildren: Paige, Luke, Matthew and Christopher; siblings: Ron (Pat) Messing, Carol (Harold) Dropeski, Faye Karpovich, Ben (Pat) Messing, Harry Messing, Cliff (Sue) Messing and Mike (Sherry) Messing; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ken Vahovick, Charlotte Morgan, Diane (Tom) Tomczak, Linda Slater, Roberta Slater, Richard (Dianne) Slater and Mary Anne (Lee) Rosbach; God-children: Craig, Jerry and Aaron; dear friends: Rita, Mary Ellen, Margaret and Cindy; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Alice Vahovick; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lela and Elmer Slater; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Steve Karpovich, Coletta (Ron) Cargill, Tom Morgan, Edwin Slater, Don (Barb) Slater, Duane (Mary) Slater, Robert Slater and Elmer Slater, Jr.; treasured cousins: Judy Booms, Bessie Kirsch and Patrick Messing; a special nephew, Dennis Slater; and adored niece, Amanda Messing-Spencer. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1300 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steven Gavit will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil service will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Lillian will lie in state at the church on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Camp Fish Tales, 2177 E. Erickson Rd., Pinconning MI 48650 or the Saginaw Rescue Mission, 1021 Burt St., Saginaw MI 48706. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com