Terry Slater of Grayslake, IL passed away on October 13, 2023 after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s.
Born Theresa Marie Sergott on August 17, 1946 in Harvey, IL, Terry lived with her parents and three beloved younger sisters in a home built by their father. Struck by polio at age 7, she was hospitalized for several months. Having to relearn how to walk, the doctors encouraged lots of movement, and her love of dance began.
Attending Thornton Township HS, Terry loved performing as a T-ette, catching the attention of many suitors whose names were dutifully written in her diaries. After graduation she was hired by the school as the principal’s secretary where her extraordinary organizational skills were honed. One summer day while driving to a carnival with her sister, Terry saw a guy with “Richard Gere” good looks drive by in an MG convertible. He noticed her too, took her to Dog ‘n’ Suds, and the rest is history.
Terry married the love of her life, Dixon Slater, in September of 1966, honeymooning in the great city of Chicago. After discovering they were expecting, they left their Riverdale apartment for a brick bungalow with a picket fence on the corner of Sunset Drive in Dolton. There they raised two daughters, Wendy and Jenny, through the 70s and early 80s. Terry was a dedicated wife and mother, creating special moments for her family in between the daily errands, meals, and tasks that made their house a home. An avid tennis player and enthusiast for over 30 years, Terry still found time to serve as president of the parish council, host Bunco parties, and plan the St. Jude School fundraiser, Port O’Call, where Terry could show off her dance skills.
In 1984 Terry and Dick moved to the Loch Lomond neighborhood of Mundelein, IL. High school years for the girls at Carmel Catholic meant hectic schedules and countless hours cheering from the stands, yet family meals around the dinner table were a priority. Once the girls started college, Terry worked in medical office administration for 17 years in Vernon Hills. She enjoyed giggle golfing with her sisters, hosting Thanksgiving for extended family for over 25 years, and volunteering at St. Mary of the Annunciation. But nothing brought her more joy than loving her 6 grandchildren–her little peanuts–who called her “Nano.”
Recently celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary, Dick was right by Terry’s side stealing kisses and whispering “You’re my girl,” as he has been every day for the past two years during her Alzheimer’s progression.
Terry was predeceased by her father, Anthony Sergott, her mother, Valerie (Benacka) Sergott, her sister, Toni Sergott, her brother-in-law Ken Jurek, and her nephew, Jason Jurek. She is survived by her husband Dixon Slater, her daughters Wendy (Jayson) Kaus and Jennifer (Tim) Burkhalter, her sisters Paulette Jurek and Roxane (Wayne) Kurt, her brother-in-law Dale Chellis and her grandchildren Benjamin, Audrey, Anna, Grant, Rachel and Lucas, all of whom loved her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation, 22333 W Erhart Rd., Mundelein, IL on Friday, October 20, 2023. Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am with a funeral mass beginning at 11:00am. Interment will be at a later date.