Christine “Chris” Mabel McGlauflin Slocum

CHELSEA – Christine “Chris” Mabel McGlauflin Slocum, 85, of Chelsea, passed away at home on the morning of Aug. 19, 2024.

Chris grew up in the “Downeast” town of Charlotte, where indoor plumbing and telephones were still a rarity and living “off grid” wasn’t something people chose to do; it was just a way of life. She grew up with three brothers and was often her father’s sidekick on his weekly trips into town. She attended Charlotte Elementary School and graduated from Calais Memorial High School.

Chris received a Bachelor of Science degree from Farmington State Teachers College in 1960. Her first teaching position was at Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton, where she taught Home Economics and coached cheer. While in Houlton, she met and married, Richard “Dick” Slocum. Chris went on to attain a Master of Science degree and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.

Chris and Dick relocated to New Orleans so Dick could attain a Ph.D. of Mathematics from Tulane University. While living there, she taught second grade, and also taught cooking classes at the New Orleans YMCA, all while raising two children and living in a third-floor walkup with no air conditioning. She always felt it was “culture shock” living in a big city after growing up in a very small Maine town, but they made great friends, ate fantastic foods, and learned to make the best hurricanes while there.

A third child was born, and Dick got his degree, so they were off to Martin, Tennessee, where they bought their first home. There she established “Mothers’ Day Out” which was a preschool program. Christine was also employed by the Easter Seal program where she taught adults with disabilities.

In 1975, Chris and her family returned to Maine, believing it to be the best place to raise their family. She taught Home Economics, later labeled Family and Consumer Science, for over 20 years at the Gardiner Middle School. Chris loved her interaction with the students and was thankful for her profession. Chris impacted many lives as a teacher and was happy to have helped kids learn skills to make them independent adults, such as cooking, sewing, balancing a checkbook, understanding how to read a product label, and how to comparison shop. When a student didn’t have a sewing project they wanted to create, she would often have them sew a teddy bear for the local police department, so officers would have something to break the ice when they encountered a young person in need of comfort.

Chris and Dick traveled extensively. When the children were young, they drove across the country during summer vacations. They saw many sights, and taught the children valuable lessons, such as the time the car broke down while driving through Las Vegas on the way to the Grand Canyon. Chris was playing the penny slot machine as their vehicle was being repaired. The children were being told “Watch your mom put coin after coin in the machine. The house always wins.” And at just that moment, she hit a small jackpot. Chris always was lucky. That lesson may have gone awry, but Chris often said she was grateful she and Dick traveled as much as they did when they were both healthy enough to do it. In addition to traveling in the U.S., they traveled to many faraway lands, such as Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, the Caribbean, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. In the British Isles she visited the McLachlan Castle which is the farthest her ancestry can be traced in the McGlauflin line.

Chris was an active member, and for several years, Queen of a Red Hat group, Rubies Cuties. Her group has been active for over 15 years. Christine formed many lasting close friendships within the group. At Christmas time, Chris collected from any member who wanted to donate to Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.

Chris had a green thumb and spent many pleasant hours tending her flower beds and vegetable gardens. Family and friends reaped the benefits of her expertise by admiring her beautiful flowers and tasting fresh vegetables. She was also a fabulous cook, and hosted family gatherings and parties in her home, and made everyone feel at home with her warm smile and huge heart.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Mabel McGlauflin; an infant twin sister, Pauline; a brother, Donald McGlauflin; and her husband Richard Slocum.

She is survived by her three daughters: Alison Valley of Gardiner and her husband, Alan Valley, Melanie Slocum of Thomaston, and Jennifer Bergeron of Dresden; a grandson, Phillip Bergeron, a granddaughter, Rachael Bourget, and her husband, Luc; two brothers: Hollis McGlauflin, and his wife, Rosemary, and Ronald McGlauflin and his wife Roxanne; and a sister-in law, Jane McGlauflin. Chris is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and her dear friend of over 65 years, Belle (Marie) White.

Although she didn’t beat cancer, she wanted to thank Dr. Febbraro and the oncology team in Scarborough for the care she received there after her diagnosis, and for the gift of more time to spend with those who loved her.

There will be a graveside service at Round Pond Cemetery in Charlotte, Maine on September 7, at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a celebration of life on September 21 at 11 a.m., at 5 Togus Road, Chelsea.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville.

Those who would like to contribute in Christine’s memory, she requested all donations be given to the Maine Children’s Home in Waterville, Maine. Donations may be made by phone 207-873-4253 (M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by mail:

Maine Children’s Home

93 Silver Street

Waterville, ME 04901