1941 – 2015

CANTON — Kathleen Ellen Slater, 73, a resident of the Victorian Villa Rehabilitation and Living Center in Canton and formerly of Wilton, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24.

She was born in Wilton on Feb. 7, 1941, the daughter of Erwin Auto Fitch and Nettie Maxine (Bean) Fitch. Kathleen was a graduate of Wilton Academy. Following school, she worked for Bass Shoe in Wilton, until the company closed.

Kathleen was an extraordinary individual, cutting her own wood up to the age of 71, when she had a stroke. When her boys would change an engine or work on a something, she always wanted to be the first to try it out. She was very appreciative of any homemade gifts, whether made of metal or something crafty, often saying how beautiful the gift or gadget was even before she knew what it was or did.

Kathleen enjoyed making crafts, wood-burning, painting, drawing and sewing, as well as many others. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren, walking through the woods, showing and teaching them different things about nature. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, and will be deeply missed by her family.

She is survived by her three sons, David Slater and his wife, Gail, of Weld, Kevin Slater of Wilton and Jeffrey Slater and his wife, Peggy, of West Virginia; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, George Fitch of Wilton, Donald Fitch of Jay and Maxine Baston of Lewiston.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Erwin and Kenneth Fitch.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.