Mildred Katie Slezak (nee Gerlacher) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Born on April 29, 1943, to Mildred and Harry Gerlacher in Chester, Pennsylvania, Mildred was the eldest of four daughters. The family later moved to Levittown, where she met the love of her life, Harry W. Slezak. They were married for 62 years, raising four children together and enjoying many happy years of traveling and gardening.
Mildred had a contagious laugh and an upbeat, positive personality. She had a knack for finding the positive, no matter how challenging the situation. She especially loved the holiday season and found countless ways to make the holidays magical for her children and grandchildren. She had a yearly tradition of baking Christmas cookies with her daughter and granddaughters, teaching them how to make cherished family recipes.
Mildred was creative and enjoyed spending time crafting with family and friends. She was a member of the Fairless Hills Senior Center, where she founded their first all-day scrapbooking and card-making event. She was also a former member of the Harriman United Methodist Signing Choir.
She was a dedicated employee of K-Mart Warehouse for more than twenty years and later worked for Lenox Customer Service for eight years.
Mildred is survived by her children Allan (Eileen), Christine Donahue (Rob), and Carl (Renee). She is also survived by her grandchildren Allan Jr., Adam, and Alysha Slezak; Katelyn Donahue; Lindsey Turkewitz (Noah); Scott Appleyard (Kim); Emily Boullie (Tyler); Karly Farrell (Jack); her great-granddaughter, Olive Turkewitz; her sister, Linda Schoen (Frank); and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry.
Mildred was a devoted animal lover and especially enjoyed spending time with her cherished dog, Winston, and her many grand dogs.
Mildred will be remembered for her positive spirit, infectious laugh, and the warmth and love she brought to the lives of her family and many friends. She had a special gift for making ordinary moments feel meaningful and bringing joy to those around her. Her love, creativity, and ability to make every holiday and family gathering special will remain a cherished part of her family’s memories.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service, at the James J Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mildred’s memory to:
ACCT Philly at https://acctphilly.org/helpacct/ways-to-give/
