Ann L. Slade

Rev. Ann Peterson Slade, age 82, died peacefully at Edison Christian Health Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. For over 14 years, Ann fought a positive, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia. 

Ann was born in Jamestown, New York and was a third generation Swede. She met her husband, Douglas Slade while attending Michigan State University in 1960. Ann and Doug lived in Michigan throughout their 58-year marriage.

Ann was preceded in death by her son, John Slade and by her brother, Dr. John Peterson. She is survived by her husband, Doug of Ada, Michigan; daughter, Kate O’Brien of E. Setauket, New York; son-in-law, Tom O’Brien; grandsons, Jack, Pete and Tommy; son-in-law, Sean Bates of St. Pete Beach, Florida; best friend, Rev. Patricia Stirling as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Following college, Ann worked as a social worker in Western New York and in Ingham County, Michigan. She served as the Executive Director of the ARC in Lansing, Michigan. At the age of 48, Ann attended McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois for three years and became an ordained minister in the Congregational United Church of Christ denomination, having served churches in Lansing, E. Lansing, St. Joseph, and Coloma communities. Ann was a loving daughter, wife, mother, friend, and pastor to all. She loved everyone and was loved in return. She brightened the life of everyone who knew her.

A memorial service for Ann will be held at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 on Saturday, June 24, 2023, 1:00 PM, where friends may meet with her family one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the Edison Christian Health Center, 1000 Edison Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 where they provided excellent care of Ann for the last seven years.

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