Donna Mae Slattery, 79, passed away on February 20, 2011 at the Shelby House Assisted Living Facility in Helena, MT from complications with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born to Edith and Russell Saxbury on March 13th 1931 in Helena, MT. She attended school in Belt, and Choteau, MT. From there she went into nursing school, graduating from Columbus School of Nursing.
During her nursing career, she met and married Zachary T. Slattery Jr. “Slatts,” an honored Great Falls Policeman. They were blessed with two children, Zach and Gayla Ann. Donna put her nursing career on hold to stay home and raise their children. Donna was very proud of all the accomplishments her husband Slatts did for the Great Falls Police Department, City of Great Falls and all the kids he tried to help and keep on the straight road. Donna was especially proud that her husband was one of first policemen in Montana chosen to attend the FBI Academy and then chosen to stand as Honorary Police Guard for President J.F. Kennedy when he visited Great Falls. It was after this visit that Donna had to go back into her nursing Career. Her beloved husband was diagnosed with M.S. and Donna took exceptional care of Slatts and never wavered for over 20 years at home, until he passed in 1983.
Donna was a member and Deacon at Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Great Falls for many years. She enjoyed and lived her faith every day. She called them her second family.
Her hobbies included her beautiful flowers gardens and vegetable garden. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting and knitting. She was an awesome cook and loved gathering her family together to enjoy Sunday dinners as well as all holiday meals. There was always room at her able for one or two more.
Donna’s greatest joy and satisfaction was helping raise her two grandchildren Donna Diane and Zachary IV. There was nothing she would not do for them or show them how to do. The most important accomplishment for her was teaching them to believe in God and trust their faith in God.
In 2002, Donna moved to Helena to be with her daughter Gayla. She met many new friends and enjoyed going on many trips. She found great joy in becoming and great-grandmother with Aidan and Meaghan Gordon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Russell Saxbury; her husband, Zachary T. Slattery Jr. “Slatts;” her oldest brother, Russell and wife, Carol.
She is survived by her son, Zach Slattery and his wife, Diane Slattery; their son and daughter, Donna Diane Gordon and Zachary Slattery IV; two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Meaghan Gordon; her daughter, Gayla and husband Ken Lott; her brother, Robert Saxbury and wife Betty; nephews, Gary and John Saxbury; niece, Michelle Horn of Dear Lodge and long time family friend, Ron Fortin (Frenchy).
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will follow. Memorials are suggested to the Shelby House Assisted Living Facility, P.O. Box 1167 East Helena, MT 59635. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Dave Anderson says
Gayla~ So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Elaine Howard says
I send condolences from the Lenihan side of the family. My father, Lester Fenton Howard (son of Margret Lenihan Howard), talked fondly of Slats and Donna as I grew up. It’s sad to lose another member of their generation. Peace to their loved ones.
Eugene Koch says
My condolences to the Donna Slattery family. I knew her for only a few years, but she was a very nice lady.
Linda Lyndes says
Gayla and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much your mother meant to you, Gayla and my thoughts and prayers are with you. You were there for me when I needed you and I’ll always appreciate that, and want you to know if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Pam (Kapstafer) Forster says
Zachary and Gayla:
We want to express our sincere sympathy to both of you and your families. Your Mom was a very special person we were all blessed to have known her.
Pam (Kapster) Forster
Pat Kapstafer
Monique (Kapstafer) Nickol
Sue McCullough says
Just wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear about Donna. I knew her in Great Falls from Sunrise and I always thought she was one of the nicest ladies I ever knew. She was always so positive and friendly. I would look forward to seeing her when I attended Sojourners. She will truly be missed. God Bless all of you who loved her.