The life journey of Maria Elizabeth Slesinger, 59, ended on December 15, 2009 in Bellingham, Washington. Known as Liz or Els to those who loved her, she was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 31, 1950, the 6th of 14 children of John and Marie Luise Pennock. At three years of age, her family moved to Den Helder, a small town in Holland where she lived until the age of 6. Although the Pennock family emigrated to the U.S. in 1957, the warmth of the Dutch people, culture and language took root in her childhood and never left her.
A graduate of Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan, Liz went on to Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio where she discovered her love of art and met her husband Jeff. She graduated with a B.A. in Art History and moved to New York City in 1975. Liz earned a B.S. in nursing from Cornell University and shortly after graduation she and her husband moved to Seattle. Liz’s nursing career spanned 22 years during which time she became a nationally recognized expert in telephone triage. After her retirement in 1998 Liz returned to her love of art, focusing on art with textiles and fabric.
Liz was devoted to her family—her husband and son, her nine sisters and four brothers. Her passion and talent opened the hearts of all around her, whether through her conversation, her touch, her special way of honoring holidays and birthdays or her art. Those who were touched by Liz’s heart and soul treasured the gift.
Preceded in death by her sister, Maryke, and her parents, she is survived by her husband, Jeff, son Nathan and daughter-in-law Leanne, sisters Joan, Connie, Terre, Fran, Lucy, Chrissy, Margie, Cathy, brothers, Harry, John, Leo and Peter. Please share your thoughts and memories on-line at www.valleyfuneralandcremationservice.com
A celebration of Liz’s life will be held January 16th, 7 PM, at the Whatcom Museum at the Lightcatcher, Bellingham, WA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kiva.
Liz died as she lived, with an open heart and on her terms. Arrangements by Valley Funeral & Cremation Service, 360-398-8181