Obituary of Barbara May Slater

Barbara May Slater went HOME to be with the LORD on March 29, 2022. Born February 14, 1932, to James and Maude Hayward, Barbara liked to say "I'm a little sweetheart." In kindergarten, she decided she wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from the UofMN, Barbara headed to California with a group of girlfriends to teach in San Diego. While in California, she also met and married Andrew P. Slater, her husband of 56.5 years. Both Barb and Andy enjoyed working with kids, young and old.

After teaching many years in the public schools, Barbara ran a preschool- Slater's Nursery School- in their home for 24 years. After going back to get her master’s degree in the 1980’s, she also worked with Head Start, many summer school programs, and eventually CDA in Washington DC,certifying childcare centers and training teachers in all things children. Her work was thoughtful and innovative, contributing much to Early Childhood Development. Her love for children affected the lives of many teachers, students and their families.

Barbara also enjoyed art and theater, participating in local productions and art spaces. She was greatly involved with her church family and friends. Most important to her was her love for her Lord. A welcomer and encourager her whole life, Barb was always inviting people into her sphere and freely sharing her gifts. Barb loved to paint, bake (especially apple pies, bread, and rolls), and volunteer for community outreach.

Barb loved her family, enjoying her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She took delight in singing her favorite clapping songs with each new generation. As Barbara faced widowhood, dementia and the pandemic years, her deep faith carried her through hard and challenging losses. On Valentine's Day 2022, Barbara turned 90, still saying "I'm a little sweetheart". And she was. All her life. She loved well and was loved by so many. And near the end of her journey, what really mattered most was simply, " Jesus loves me. This, I know."

*A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on June 11, 2022 at 3:30pm, Bridgewood Community Church, Blaine, MN.*