WATERVILLE – Mary Jane Slack, (born Mary Jane Wagner), 69, of Waterville, passed from this life into eternity at her home on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Her soul is resting in peace with God.

Mary was born in Elkhart, Ind. July 3, 1953 to a family who put her into the foster system. She survived living in and out of a number of foster homes, until at the age of 16, she became the daughter of Ken and Shirley Krause of Cassopolis, Mich. She found a love of Christianity in their warm, supportive home. She would go on to become valedictorian of her graduating class at Cassopolis High School in 1971.

Mary’s first job was as a roller skating carhop at an A&W, before she was employed as a receptionist at Bergman Veterinary Medical Center in Cassopolis, Mich. It was at that animal clinic where she met and dated Alan Slack, who was a DVM there. Shortly after her graduation, Alan and Mary married, after which they settled in New Jersey. They saved and cared for countless animals while also fostering several foster children during the early years of their marriage. They traveled thoroughly and made many friends along the way. In 1979, they started a family of their own, eventually having seven children. They fell in love with Maine, and in 1984, decided to make it their home.

Mary lived for her kids. She was nurturing, and made them feel safe, loved, wanted and special. She was very involved with school activities, took thousands of pictures of her family, and tried to chronicle and savor every milestone. “I love you forever and always” and “God Bless You” were among her daily affirmations.

Mary loved to sunbathe and garden. She loved all flowers, especially purple super petunias, and lilacs. She had a special tie to redbud trees and hummingbirds. Her Mom Shirley called her “My little redbud girl”, and let her plant them on their property which they enjoyed for decades.

She was predeceased by her beloved grandfather and grandmother, Jesse and Elna Krause of Grand Rapids, Mich; father, Ken Krause of Cassopolis Mich.; son, Wade Alan Slack and daughter, Allison Dale Slack of Waterville.

Mary will be sadly missed by her children Meghan, Jesse and wife Mackenzie, Lauren, Jonathan, Andrew and wife Tara; grandchildren, Riley, Avery and Henry; mother, Shirley; siblings Tammy, Kendall, Noel, and Dale; dear friends Vicki, Nancy, Linda and Cindy; and sweet, loyal cat, Boomer.

Visitation will be held for Mary on Friday, March 31 from 2-4 p.m. at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. She will be interred at a later date at Lewis Cemetery in Oakland next to Wade, Allison, and Alan.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VielleuxFuneralHome.com for the Slack family.

In remembrance, her family asks you to follow your heart. If you wish to do something in her name, perhaps bring flowers to someone who might be suffering the infirmities of old age or anyone who could use a reminder that they are loved. A donation to a charitable organization of your choosing is another great way to honor her.

The most important lesson Mary taught us was to love one another, please carry that message forward.