Patricia Sue "Susie" Slater, 73, of Cooperstown, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at her home with her family by her side. 

Susie was born in Oil City on February 28, 1953 to the late Blanche E. Swartzfager and Robert M. Stewart. 

She was a graduate of Cranberry High School.

On December 30, 1971, Susie married the late Harold Edwin "Joe" Slater Jr., who preceded her in death on July 23, 1997.

She worked at UPMC Northwest for over 20 years in the kitchen and in housekeeping. She was a familiar face to all her coworkers- someone who made everyone feel comfortable. Taking care of people was a part of who she was. Even when she was the patient instead of the caregiver, she always found a way to help clean up or give a helping hand to someone in need. 

Susie was an avid crafter. She was talented in fiber arts, often making gifts by needlepoint, crochet, and loom knitting. She loved to garden, always making sure her home was beautiful both inside and out. 

She found great companionship in animals. She was often found with a cup of coffee in her hand and a cat in her lap. 

Susie was as beautiful as she was kind, and never hesitated to give a hug or make a friend out of a stranger. She enjoyed the little things in life, like a pretty piece of jewelry or cup of coffee on the back porch. She found peace on her back porch enjoying the outdoors and was able to be that peace for the people in her life. 

Her children knew they could always pick up the phone and call their mom. No matter how far away they were, they knew she would be there as a listening ear or someone to celebrate with. Susie was the heart of their family, and her children and grandchildren adored her and her sense of humor. 

Susie is survived by her children, Toby Slater and wife Amanda of Lexington, SC, Lynn Slater of Columbia, SC , and Lori McHattie and her husband Kenneth of Marysville, OH. Cherished grandchildren include Dylan Slater and his wife Sarah of Lexington, SC, and Heath and Kara McHattie of Marysville, OH. 

Additionally surviving is her brother Fred Stewart and his wife Debbie of Franklin. Nieces and nephews include Rebecca Stewart of Franklin, Tracy Garey of Orwell, OH, Billy Ritts of Kernersville, NC, and a brother in-law, Bill Ritts, of Meadville. 

Along with her parents and husband, Susie was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Ritts. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W Park St. Franklin where a private memorial will take place for Susie's family. 

Memorial donations may be made in Susie's name to the Canal Wesleyan Methodist Church, 165 Deckards Run Rd, Utica, PA 16362.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting huffguthrie.com.