Robin Holzbach Slater

Robin Holzbach Slater, wife of Reverend Robert S. Slater, died peacefully at home on August 21, 2015. She was born October 7, 1925 in Newport News Virginia into a family long associated with the Newport News Shipping and Drydock Company.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University and taking graduate courses at William and Mary, Robin taught both public and private elementary and middle schools. She was also an instructor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Baltimore, where Bob Slater was another teacher. They discovered that they shared common interests not only in music and dancing but also in parapsychology, including telepathy and reincarnation. They were married on November 2, 1950.

After Bob became a UU minister, Robin became and remained an active partner in that ministry — teaching Sunday school, working at church fairs, and even preaching a sermon on one occasion.

Robin greatly loved her family, fellow church members, and her students; and was a wonderful friend — both to people and animals. She especially sought to reach out to others who, like her, had suffered from mental illness. She worked to make her family’s home a place that was beautiful, artistic and filled with love, and they attest to her success. With Bob to help her, she courageously endured over 20 years of Alzheimer’s disease and continued to be a part of her community and to be the light of her family’s life.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Tracy Slater at 151 Tremont St 25G, Boston, MA 02111. The family suggests that memorial gifts could be directed to any local humane society, or group that works to reduce animal suffering.