Theresa "Terry" Anne Slinger

Theresa "Terry" Anne Slinger, age 96, peacefully went to be with the Lord June 1, 2019, on her mother's birthday, surrounded by loved ones. Lizzie Slinger (granddaughter) lovingly cared for her as her home health aide from December 2017.

Terry was born at her aunt's home in Sharon, PA to Gertrude and John Clarke December 14, 1922.

She lived her entire life in Akron. She attended St. Mary's and graduated from South High School. Terry served in the Air Force, Akron, Ohio from 1941-1943. She always had a passion for nursing, so when her youngest were 10 years old, she attended the Akron School of Practical Nursing and graduated at the age of 43. But that was just the start of fulfilling her dream. She continued working and taking night classes until she was able to attend the University of Akron graduating with dual degrees in Nursing and Social Work at the age of 55.

Terry worked as a registered nurse at Little Forest Medical Center and Heather Knoll Nursing Home. She was called by God to serve the elderly.

Later, after abandoning retirement she was called to care for the Dominion Sisters of Peace at Our Lady of the Elms Wellness Center. There she found her greatest joy caring for them until she retired at 89 years old in 2012. After she recovered from heart surgery she continued God's work by volunteering two days a week for Conni Dubek and the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Sisters and Associates in Mission. She had become an associate in 2008 and was also a member of Veritas.

Terry was a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church for 70 years. She worked in the rectory, at vacation bible school, did blood pressure checks after mass and loved attending the senior luncheons. While still working she volunteered at Heart to Heart Communication and Feed My Sheep.

Somehow, she had time to pursue many interests - she loved to cook, bake and eat! Chocolate and hamburgers with fries were her favorite. She made the best peanut butter fudge and mac and cheese in the world! She loved to shop, often for her family, friends and the needy. She was a voracious reader and kept a book in every room of the house and her car! She read the Beacon Journal and Plain Dealer daily (often out loud to us). She loved embroidery, sewing for her family and designing miniature doll houses. Her love of dance introduced her to Oscar, and their love of ballroom dancing kept them happily on their toes for the next 22 years.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gertrude Comunale; brothers, John Clarke and Joseph Clarke; ex-husband, Harold Slinger; son, Robert Slinger; and companion of 22 years, Oscar Gurney.

She is survived by her children, Leanna (Raymond) Elliott, John (ex-wife Joanne), Susan (Russell) Johnston, James (Debbie), Phillip, Deborah, and Doreen; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are welcome to visit on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Elms Chapel, Akron, OH. Funeral mass will take place at 11:00 a.m.. To read the full obituary, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of the Elms Dominican Sisters of Peace.