Teresa Frances Slater

Teresa was born on November 15, 1929 in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Maine and Massachusetts, and later graduated from Boston University with a degree in Music Education, and spent her entire career devoted to teaching music. She married Clarence “Larry” Slater in 1956, and they had four daughters whom they loved very much. She is survived by those four daughters: Teresa Burns, Genevieve Taylor, Shelby Ness, and Roxanne Farley. Her death is preceded by her husband Larry, her brother and sister-in-law Tom and Sue Kannally, and her son-in-law Bo Burns. Author’s note: The proper way to read about the life of Teresa Slater is to first pour yourself a gin and tonic. The gin should be Bombay Sapphire (don’t be afraid of a generous pour), a lime wedge is required, and it should be stirred with your index finger. Playing some music would be ideal, preferably opera or a symphony. If you don’t know Teresa, the mental image to conjure is Maria from the Sound of Music, but with a Maine accent. Teresa had an indomitable and courageous spirit. While she loved having company, she was never afraid to go alone, even at a time when it was less common for a woman to do so. After graduating college, she went on to teach in Long Island, NY. On the weekends, she rode the train into New York City for singing lessons, and when she had the money, she would buy standing room tickets to the Metropolitan Opera. In her twenties, she traveled across Europe and would carry this love of travel throughout her life. She made memories in Malta, sang with the Von Trapp’s in Vermont, conducted a choir in Carnegie Hall, and rode camels ‘cross Israel. Her pioneering spirit led her across the country for a teaching job in a place she’d never been -Ely, Nevada. A young man named Larry was excited to hear that some women were arriving from Maine–where he’d been stationed during the war–and went to greet them as they arrived. Upon exiting the train, Teresa broke the heel on her shoe, and asked the young man “Do you know where I can find a cobblah?” Unbeknownst to her, these were the first words she would say to the man she would marry, and with whom she would raise four daughters. Teresa deeply loved music and devoted her life to teaching it. She taught elementary and middle school children throughout the Central Valley School district, empowering them with the phrase “If you can talk, you can sing.” As a devout Catholic, Teresa honored her God-given gifts by leading the choirs at St. Mary’s church for many years. After retiring from teaching, she kept active by leading choirs for Project Joy, the Senior Serenaders, and sang with the Spokane Chorale. Music was so woven into Teresa’s soul that even in her final days when words would fail her, she could still hum the melodies of the songs that carried her through life. Above all else, Teresa loved her family. Her husband passed away at a young age, and she did her best to raise her four girls. She was very close with her brother, Tom, and loved going back East to serve as the “fun aunt” to Jane, Tim, and Tom. As a grandmother, she truly thrived, and her grandchildren adore her. Her house was always filled with amazing food, beautiful song, and unyielding laughter. Teresa personified safety, comfort, and joy for so many people. She will be deeply missed, but we are grateful to have shared time with such a unique and loving person.The rosary is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST on May 19, 2023 at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. The funeral mass will be held May 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 304 S Adams Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. There is a graveside service after the mass at 2:30PM, and a reception afterward back at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Teresa’s life.