Obituary of Irene G. Slawter
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Irene Grace Slawter on January 24, 2019. Irene passed peacefully in the comfort of her home at the age of 85. The family finds comfort in knowing that she passed in the love of Christ and His blessings. Irene was a devout Christian and a member of the West Wilmington Seventh-Day Adventist Church for over 60 years. Irene was one of 7 children born to Jesse and Elsie Campbell in Fairbank, PA. She moved to Wilmington, DE in her 20's and met her husband, John W. Slawter, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage, mostly in Concord Twp., PA. Irene was a homemaker, a clean freak, a devoted mother and grandmother, an animal lover, a talented crafter, an amazing baker, co-owner of Grace's Easter Eggs, as well as a bus driver. She retired from the Brandywine School District. To her immediate family, Irene was affectionately known as "Queen Irene." She is survived by her devoted husband, John Slawter; twin daughters, Dinah Benton (Kelly James Lutz) of Lancaster, California and Diane Bishop (Mike) of Rising Sun, MD; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Christine and Greg Mangesian (Mia Zavala); and three great-grandchildren, Riley, Daniella and Brooklyn. Irene also shared a strong bond with her siblings. She is survived by her twin sister (her other half), Ina Sales of Dover, DE; Helen Baker of Smyrna, DE; Eugene Campbell (Eleanor) of New Castle, DE; Geraldine Harkness of Dover, DE; Catherine Rugola of Republic, PA; and Alice Washlock (Mike) of Mayfield Heights, OH, along with all of their families. Many, many thanks to the staff at Heartland Hospice in Chadds Ford, PA and Caring Hearts Senior Care out of West Chester, PA who, collectively, provided wonderful in-home care. With this supportive care, the family was able to honor Irene's unwavering wish to live her life out at home. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2pm to 3pm followed by a 3pm funeral service at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, PA. Interment will remain private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or, in the spirit of Irene's compassion for homeless animals, an animal rescue or shelter program.
