Gracelyn M. Slayton, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center.
Gracelyn was born February 19, 1942 in Kenosha, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Falduto) Covelli. She attended Bain Elementary School, McKinley Middle School, and was a graduate of Kenosha High School. Gracelyn further attended the Accredited School of Beauty Culture and completed the Culinary Program at Gateway Technical College.
On June 2, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church she was united in marriage to David A. Slayton.
Gracelyn was employed with many Kenosha area businesses Corner House of Beauty, Elks Club, AMC/Chrysler and Viatech Publishing.
In recent years, Gracelyn handmade over 100 embroidered Christmas stockings for her family, friends and even their pets. Gracelyn enjoyed cooking in her kitchen, which she was so very proud of and keeping her family recipes and family traditions alive, she even created a family cookbook to share with future generations. Gracelyn’s specialties included her award-winning Easter bread and Italian fried Grispelle.
Up until 2022, Gracelyn drove herself to Orlando for her annual fall trip to her condo, periodically taking family with to enjoy the sites of the surrounding area. Gracelyn frequently drove to the Green Bay area to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her trips often included a stop at either the casino or craft store. Gracelyn loved her grandchildren so much, she traveled with each grandchild to special places like Arizona, Florida, New York, Rome, and Wyoming. Many school breaks and summers were spent with Nana on fun adventures.
Gracelyn was most proud of her children and grandchildren and it was her lifelong desire to be the best Nana to her family. Gracelyn welcomed all into her family with open arms and treated everyone equally.
Left to remember Gracelyn’s legacy are her four children, Dawn (Randy) Shupe, David Slayton II, Joe Slayton, Mari (Bruce) Anderson.
Ten Grandchildren, Allison (Troy) Broyles, Matthew (Deni) Shupe, Kailee Seeger, Jacob Seeger, Stephanie (Ryan) Lenz, Nicole Slayton, Joseph Slayton, Justin Anderson, Brianna (Koa) Sharpe, and Kelsey Anderson. Ten great-grandchildren. Brother Nick (Joy) Covelli, Sisters-in-Law Patty (Alan) McGowan, Sandy (Jack) Cunningham, Cherry Slayton, Brother-in-Law Jerry (Phyllis) Slayton.
Gracelyn was proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Covelli, Father and Mother in- law Forest & Louise Slayton. Sister Jolene Flatley and Brother-in-law Forest Slayton Jr., Son Jeremy Slayton and Daughters-in-law Darcy Slayton and Molly Slayton.
Funeral services will be private for the immediate family. On Sunday, August 20, 2023 there will be a celebration of Gracelyn’s life at Petrifying Springs (Pets Park) Site 5 from 1-4 pm.
Thank you to Dr. James Santarelli and everyone in the Med Surg 5 Unit at Aurora.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to a charity of your choice.