Plan for the Future
~~Marie Gannon Lewis Slaght of Chatham and Normandy Beach, NJ passed away
Sunday, January 14th. Born in West Orange on December 26, 1921, Marie lived in Short Hills for over 40 years. She firmly believed being a wife, mother and homemaker was the most important job any woman could have and she excelled at all three. Her volunteer commitments were many and varied, a Republican Party Committeewoman, and officer of the Millburn-Short Republican Club, a member of the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Auxiliary, Overlook Hospital Twig, Rolling Hills Garden Club of Short Hills and the Normandy Beach Garden Club.
Marie is predeceased by her first husband, Donald E. Lewis, Sr., an honored World War II Air Force Colonel, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1972. She is also predeceased by her second husband, Albert (Doc) M. Slaght, to whom she was happily married for 35 years. Together they enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing golf and bridge as well as spending time at the beach. She was a Life member of Canoe Brook Country Club, a former member of the Racquets Club of Short Hills and the Normandy Beach Yacht Club. It has been said that Marie never heard a song she didn’t want to dance to and Doc was the perfect partner. They often arrived late for a party but never left early, they were terrific guests and better hosts.
If being a wife and mother was her greatest accomplishment, being a grandmother was her greatest joy. Known as Nee-nee to her nine grandchildren and her four great grandchildren, she cheered them on and freely offered advice on life, love and fashion. Her words of wisdom could fill a book.
She is survived by a son, Donald E. Lewis, Jr. (Suzanne Kimm) Chatham, NJ, daughter, Barbara L. Harrison (James F.) New Vernon, NJ, and step- son, Donald M. Slaght (Sarah Brown) Normandy Beach, NJ. Grandchildren include: Samantha Harrison Dubuque (Raymond A. IV), Andrew G. Lewis (Elizabeth Prusiewicz), Hilary Harrison Slocum (Thomas), James F. Harrison, Jr (Kathleen Nelson), Carolyn Lewis, Meredith Lewis, Adrienne Slaght, Allison Slaght, and Curtis Slaght. Great grandchildren include: Henry and Charlotte Slocum, Brynn Lewis and Ridgely Dubuque, all of whom will miss her dearly.
A Mass and celebration of her life will be held at The Church of Christ the King, Friday, January 19 at 10:30. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to your favorite charity would be appreciated. Marie asked that you “remember her life and not her death” by raising a toast to a life well lived.