Sister Marian Slezak

Sister Marian Slezak (Mary Anthony) of the Sisters of Mercy died peacefully on January 20, 2017 at St. Mary Home West Hartford. Born in Southington on August 17, 1926 of the late Anthony and Maria (Turek) Slezak, she was raised in Southington and entered the Sisters of Mercy on June28, 1947. Sister professed her vows on January 2, 1950. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from St. Joseph College now University of St. Joseph, and excelled as a creative elementary school teacher in several parish schools located in Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport , Ansonia and New Haven for three decades. That ministry led Sister to become a director of religious education and successful parish minister. Sister Marian felt called to explore another fruitful ministry with a short visit to Central America for a summer of service ministry, with the possibility of a new kind of direct service beyond teaching and immediately knew she had to answer a missionary call to serve there giving of herself unselfishly to the native population of Chanmagua, Guatamala for seven years. Returning to home in Connecticut, Sister became a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Associate for St. Stanislaus Parish, Meriden until her retirement in 2004, at which time she continued to render volunteer service just as energetically. Known as a quiet, loving, joyful soul, she lived her life by the maxim, tis better to give than to receive. And, give she did- 70 years of Mercy ministry, tirelessly extending herself to others without drawing attention to herself. Sister Marian was the youngest of nine children, all girls. Each sister has predeceased Sister Marian. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, close cousins and her community of the Sisters of Mercy. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford, preceded by calling hours beginning at 3:00. Burial will take place on Wednesday at 10:00 am in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Sister's name are asked to consider Sisters of Mercy, 55 E. Cedar Street, Newington, CT 06111. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.