Obituary of Sara J. Slevinski

South Bend, IN Sara Slevinski, 69, of 1228 White Oak Drive, passed away on Thursday (April 30, 2020) after a long illness and complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a form of Parkinsonism. Born on February 9, 1951, in Watertown, NY, Sara was the youngest child of eight of Robert J. and Doris A. Stephan Wenzel, Sr. On November 25, 1972, she married Stanislaus J. Slevinski, who survives. Sara was a 1969 graduate of Allegany Central School and a 1971 graduate of Heald Business College in San Francisco, California. She worked at several companies during her time in San Francisco before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1977. After 3 years there, Sara and Stan returned to their hometown of Allegany in 1980. Sara initially worked at McGraw-Edison Company before taking a position as office manager in 1985 at a new start-up company, Studio 4 East Screenprinting, in Allegany, run by the Wintermantel brothers (Peter, Dan & Mikel). The position proved to be interesting, contentious at times, and enjoyable. Sara worked there until her retirement in 2010, followed by the move to South Bend, IN. Sara had an outgoing personality, strong determination, and a willingness to offer advice on most topics. Many long-lasting friendships and wonderful memories were made throughout the years at all places where she and Stan resided. Sara was also very adept at arts and crafts, making many gift items and working on home decorating projects. Most of all, Sara loved her family, especially her daughter, Lindsay. She enjoyed the family gatherings, competitive one-card and pinochle games, shopping trips with friends, and the many parties and events that transpired over the years, many of which she planned and organized. Sara is survived by her husband Stanislaus and one daughter, Lindsay Anne Slevinski of South Bend, IN; 4 sisters - Anita (Joseph) Wesley of Allegany, Patricia (Lewis) Dickens of Las Vegas, NV, Judith Burns of Palm City, FL, and Linda (Robert) Cassellari of Arlington, VA; 1 brother - Robert J. (Donna) Wenzel, Jr. of Allegany; 1 brother-in-law - Thomas (Mary) Slevinski of Haines City, FL; 1 sister-in-law - Susan (Mark) Bowen of Daytona Beach, FL; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. In addition, she is survived by her special group of lady friends - Barbara Wintermantel, Suzanne Finn, Edna Wintermantel, Carmen Soplop, and Mary Jo Reed, all of Allegany. Sara was predeceased by a sister, Diana Rzepka of Allegany in 2019, and a brother, Carl Wenzel in Vietnam in 1965. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany. Due to the current health issues with Covid-19, the service will be private. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.