Myrtle Louise Slawko

1926 - 2024

Myrtle Louise Slawko
Born: February 3, 1926 in Nashville, TN
Died: November 9, 2024 in Bluffton, SC
Myrtle Louise Slawko (nee DeKnoblough) passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in Bluffton, So. Carolina.
Myrtle was born on February 3, 1926 in Nashville, Tennessee and was a sixty-eight year resident of Berwyn. She lived her life as a public servant, humanitarian and role model. Mrs. Slawko served in local and state PTA for over 20 years. She received a life membership to the Illinois Congress of the PTA for her work; received the "Book of Recognition" award from Lincoln Middle School for service to the community, schools and children and the "Cornerstone Youth Award" from the Youth in Crisis organization. Myrtle was a founding member of the District 98 Education Foundation. Her efforts for education funding reform and civic activities led to her receiving the "Senior Citizen of the Year" award.
Myrtle was active in numerous civic organizations for over forty years which included the Berwyn Blight Panel, Commissioner on the Berwyn Safety Council, Captain of Relay for Life and was appointed as Director of Community Relations. She served as an executive board member of the Illinois Governor's Committee to employ the handicapped and received the "Humanitarian Award" while on the Berwyn-Cicero Council on Aging.
Mrs. Slawko served as the 6th Ward Alderman for two years and holds the distinction of being the first woman elected as Alderman paving the way for women to follow. She served as a Legislative aide to State Representative Paul Matula. Additionally, Myrtle was active in Girl Scouts, the All-Berwyn Committee and District 98 Band Parents Association. She served as Commissioner of the North Berwyn Park District and as Vice President of the Board.
Mrs. Slawko was recognized by the Berwyn Mayor and Berwyn City Council proclaiming March 12, 2024 and every year after as "Myrtle Slawko Day" in the City of Berwyn; in honor of a lifetime of public service to the community.
Myrtle relocated to Bluffton, SC to be near her daughter in March, 2024. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Walter of 64 years and her son, Gregory. Mrs. Slawko is survived by her loving daughter, Kyle and son-in-law, Steve Scanlon, dear friends and the many who called her "mom".
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gregory W. Slawko Memorial Scholarship at Illinois State University for theatre, dance and film students of the Wonsook College of Fine Arts.
Giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/Gregory-W-Slawko-memorial-scholarship/
A gathering for friends and family of Mrs. Slawko will take place on November 20, 2024 between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM at Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 S. Oak Park Ave. Stickney, IL 60402. A visitation will take place the next morning at 9:00 AM with a funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude at Mount Auburn Cemetery at graveside.