Marilyn Slater

Marilyn Esther (Pritchett) Slater, age 79, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur F. Buchanan Sr. and Mary Jane Conroy Buchanan, step-mother, Stella Brown Buchanan, and sister, Carolyn Buchanan Newton.

She is survived by daughters, Tami Austin (Ken), Cheri Harbeck (Bill), and Keri Whitaker (Mark); brothers, Arthur "Butch" Buchanan, Jr. (Lela), and Arthur "Sonny" Buchanan, Jr. (Becky); grandchildren, Ryan Andzelik, Kiel Sims (Carrie Anne), Clayton Sims (Chelsea), Alexandria Cheadle (Timmy), Reece Whitaker, Ashley Denny (Jordan), and Kenneth Austin, II; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Andzelik, Kaitlyn Andzelik, James Sims, Elizabeth Denny, Cooper Denny, and Dylan Austin; and many nieces, nephews, and dear cousins.

Marilyn was born April 18, 1942 in Daytona Beach, Florida and lived her entire life in the Central Florida area, a true Florida native. She was graduated from William R. Boone High School in 1960, and attended Tulane in Louisiana for nursing school. Her nursing career spanned the areas of public health, surgery, internal medicine, gastroenterology, and nephrology - ending just a few years ago as a research nurse.

Her most beloved titles were "Mom" or "Mamacita" to her daughters, "Mammaw" and "Grandma" to her grandchildren, and "Granny" to her great-grandchildren. She loved her family, was proud of her daughters and her grandchildren, and enjoyed catching up with the cousins and extended family at the annual family reunions. In her later years, she was affectionately known as the "cat lady", because she rescued, fostered, rehomed, and loved many litters of "kitties".

She was an avid and talented sewist, creating clothes for her daughters and their dolls when they were young. When they got older, she designed and created their bridal gowns and bridesmaids' dresses. In her later years she made blankets for the homeless shelters, and baby blankets.

She loved the beach and its serenity, and when it came time for vacations, that's where she would pack the family to go.

She loved and relied on God in every aspect of her life, to the very end. She had a beautiful alto voice and loved to sing in the church choir. She also played the piano beautifully, and early in her life she sang professionally. She was most recently a member of Gateway Church in Winter Park.

She was very patriotic and loved her country. She was very proud of her family members who were and are in the military.

Viewing and visitation is Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service starting at 12:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (Winter Park Chapel), 3806 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, Florida 32792.

We ask that attendees wear red, white, and blue to honor her patriotic spirit. The family will receive guests and friends following the service. Reception location will be announced at the service.

Please consider making a donation to "Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando" or to the "Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center" in memory of Marilyn Slater.

To share your memories of Marilyn or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.