Obituaries

Marlene I. Slater, 62

December 26, 2020

“Normal is only a setting on a washing machine” she would say. “Marvelous Marlene” was the family Chief of documentation, writer of letters, quotations and lists. She served on the family spirituality committee; designer of holiday programming, Seders, poems, and songs. She spent a lifetime as president of theatrics with an extensive resume including dressing up, celebrity and made-up impressions, joke telling, and starring in family films.

Marlene I. Slater, 62, of Leola, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at UPMC-Lititz.

Those who hopped on the roller coaster of life with Marlene, may remember her contagious laugh, many voices, how she marched only to the beat of her own drum. She battled a terribly unfair amount of mental illness most of her life with an unbelievable degree of bravery, strength, courage, hope, fierce faith in Judaism and love of family fueling her fight through the end when she lost her 2nd battle with cancer. She was welcomed to eternity with a long-awaited reunion into the loving arms of her parents Esther (Rosenberg) and Nathan Gildner.

She was born in New York City and a graduate of JFK High school in the Bronx. She lived in New Jersey and Lancaster, PA. Her warm hugs and zest for life will be most missed by her husband of nearly 25 years, John Slater, of Leola, her daughters Heather Appelbaum Smith (Stuart Shepard Smith, Jr.) and Ashley Lauren Appelbaum, both of Lancaster, son, Eric Jason Appelbaum (Cynthia Margaret Appelbaum) of Phoenixville, and her beloved grandchildren Stuart Shepard Smith III and Elaina Joy Smith. She is survived by her sister, Harriet Segal, and leaves behind an unfinished autobiography, endless collages, projects and works of art.

Marlene, a self-proclaimed Soul Sister and Dancing Soul lived for song, rhythm, God, her synagogue Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, Judaism, and speaking Yiddish. Her greatest joys in life were attending Friday night services and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marlene’s honor may be made to Congregation Shaarai Shomayim Cantorial Soloist Fund (75 East James Street, Lancaster PA 17602). Additionally, please consider hugging a stranger, loving unconditionally, singing and living life with purpose.

A virtual funeral service will be livestreamed on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 6pm. The service can be viewed by clicking here.

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Condolences to the Family

January 01, 2021

Ashley- you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My hope is the many memories you have will comfort you now and always!

December 31, 2020

Wow. I am so sad to learn of her passing. She was a wonderful light in my life and my children’s lives when I needed it most. She was a stranger that quickly became family. I’m sorry that we fell out of touch and to hear this. The memories of her in my life will always be there. Oddly I was just going thru things before Christmas in my storage unit and found things she had given me and the kids in the past. I am so sorry to her family. I will always cherish the memories. 
Michell

December 30, 2020

you are in our prayers” just no she is happy now. And she will always be watching from haven. Cookie and i will always be here for all of you.
willie and cookie

December 29, 2020

This is Marlene in every letter of this!! We’d find her dancing in the driveway, our kitchen and many other places. It’s hard to label the zest, the love and joy she shared with people! She would always talk about her own drum, love of music and writing. We would get random cards to tell us how she lived us as neighbors, and friends and she would mail them. She’d clip articles she thought I’d enjoy or crafts she thought I could make. We shared a love of crafts and writing. Marlene made sure you knew she loved you!! Her love for her children shined in her eyes when she spoke about them, and she’d smile bright every time she’d talk about John. We were lucky enough to attend their vow renewal about 7-8 years ago and it had Marlene written all over, her hand made a special day fir them❤️. She is loved and she will be missed, we talked over the fence(an opening was left by a fallen tree and she thought I should leave it so we can see each other) almost every day, and my dog would jump on the box to both Marlene and John. 
Lisa Elliott

December 29, 2020

Rest In Peace Marlene. You were truly loved by all. Cousin, Yetta Lynne

December 29, 2020

Our sincere condolences
The world lost a previous soul
May her memory be a blessing to the entire family. Carole and Al Gore

December 29, 2020

She sounds like a modern woman with a multitude of talents and a lot of endeavors. Such a pretty smile.
Mary Kay Anderson

December 29, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss Heather, Ashley and Eric… there are no words to express how sad I am for your loss.  I know how strong you all are, and I’m glad that you have each other to lean on when you need too.  I love and miss you all, I’m sending all my love your way.  Betsy

December 29, 2020

Missing my “Niecie” and everything she was about… everything .  May she always be a Dancing Soul.
Diane Morris

Services
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
6:00 PM
livestreamed
,
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