Mary Martha Slais was born on the first day of summer 1931, and passed away on January 1, 2021 at the age of 89. She was the beloved daughter of Gladys Buckner, affectionately known as “Mamie.” Mary spent her childhood in Springfield, where she graduated from Greenwood High School in 1949.
Mary’s joyful spirit shone through in her love of music and dance. She was an accomplished pianist and filled her home with classical music, often sitting down to play her favorite piece “Clair de Lune.” Before international cooking was popular, she tried out new recipes inspired by her travels, and made special meals for her family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking meals from the recipes she learned as a child from watching Marie and Daddy Harold cook. The entire family found joy and comfort in King, the family’s Sheltie, who was a gift from Mamie.
Mary was devoted to her children, and always put them first. She passed down her deep faith by ensuring that each of her four children received a Catholic education. After raising her family, Mary fulfilled her dream of graduating from college when she earned a bachelor’s degree in library science from Washington University in 1982.
Mary had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed travelling. One Christmas Eve, she even flew from St. Louis to Kodiak Island, Alaska to be with her newborn granddaughter on Christmas morning. She also enjoyed trips to the Pacific Northwest, where she visited the Oregon Coast with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Mary had special memories of her trips to Lourdes and Fatima, and her visits to the shrines there. Later in life, her travels were closer to home, where she enjoyed visiting the Missouri Botanical Gardens and St. Louis Art Museum. She saw beauty all around her, and loved watching the birds outside her window.
Mary lived out her Catholic faith through her generous spirit, showing through her actions that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” She was a devoted friend, and reminded those closest to her that “every moment is precious.” Her gentle soul will live on in the lives of those she touched. Mary was a cherished mother and dear grandmother, and will be deeply missed by her children Theresa, Patti, Julie (Dan Castenson), and Ricky Slais, and grandchildren Kate and Scott Castenson. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Webster Groves on January 13th, 2021 at 10am.
“I love you honey.”
My Condolences are to the Slais family, my prayers or with every one of you during this troublesome time. I met Ms.Mary in 2014 and I was a temporary caregiver. That temporary became long term. She was nothing more than amazing! She started out as one of my clients and that soon changed. Our relationship changed it wasn’t just work after awhile, we developed a mother daughter relationship. I knew then, our titles changed forever. I was no longer the caregiver and she was no longer my client! Ms Mary treated me with respect and loved and the feelings was mutual and she became a second mother to me. She was my family. She truly will be missed. She may not be present but she will never be forgotten. I will always carry her in my heart. This is not a goodbye for me, This is I will see you later until we meet again. My god bless her soul and live on forever!! Love, Camelle& the Gibbs, Prince Family.
My Condolences are to the Slais family, my prayers or with every one of you during this troublesome time. I met Ms.Mary in 2014 and I was a temporary caregiver. That temporary became long term. She was nothing more than amazing! She started out as one of my clients and that soon changed. Our relationship changed it wasn’t just work after awhile, we developed a mother daughter relationship. I knew then, our titles changed forever. I was no longer the caregiver and she was no longer my client! Ms Mary treated me with respect and loved and the feelings was mutual and she became a second mother to me. She was my family. She truly will be missed. She may not be present but she will never be forgotten. I will always carry her in my heart. This is not a goodbye for me, This is I will see you later until we meet again. My god bless her soul and live on forever!! Love, Camelle& the Gibbs, Prince Family.