Mary Josephine "Mae Jo" Slager

SLAGER, MARY JOSEPHINE Mary Josephine (Mae Jo) Slager passed away on November 20, 2005, in Hemet, Ca. Mrs. Slager was a lifetime resident of San Diego County, born October 9, 1922 to Harry L. Freeman and Antonia Estudillo Freeman (Johnson). Mae Jo was a descendent of Jose Antonio Estudillo, founder of Casa Estudillo in Old Town San Diego, and Miguel Pedrorena, one of the original signers of the California State Constitution in 1850. Primarily raised at Las Flores, on the Rancho Santa Margarita, Mae Jo was educated at Mission San Luis Rey's Parochial School and spent her summers at the family owned Tahquitz Lodge in the San Jacinto Mountains. The resort catered to Hollywood movie personalities, allowing her to meet favorite heroes; William Boyd, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers. Mae Jo attended Mercy College of Nursing and worked for 30 years in an OB/GYN office in San Diego. Mae Jo married Donith V. Slager, a foreman at the Coca Cola Bottling Company. Mae Jo and Don were instrumental in starting the "Coca Cola Clan" San Diego chapter. As avid RVer's, they traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, making many good friends through Thousand Trails and Good Sam Club. Mae Jo later spearheaded the organization "RVer's For Fair Play". Mae Jo was also an active member of the Obedience Club of San Diego. Mrs. Slager is survived by two daughters, Lynn Ritter of Jefferson City, MO and Louise Douville of San Jacinto, CA and three grandchildren, Drew Ritter, Sarah Douville, and Joseph Douville. Considering Mae Jo's great love of animals, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to your local Humane Society. Memorial services will be held at El Camino Memorial Park on Monday, December 5, 2005 with a visitation at 1:00pm and service at 2:00pm.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com