Jean M. Slavik

Hyde Park – Jean M. Slavik, 92, lifelong area resident passed away peacefully on Monday,
August 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. Jean was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a beautiful, giving person who always thought of others before herself. Jean believed in living a life of love and laughter and was devoted to her christian faith which helped to sustain her through difficult times.
Born November 21, 1932, in Rhinebeck, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Viola Hunt. She was a 1950 graduate of F. D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park and was voted "best dancer" along with her then high school sweetheart, Dick, in her senior yearbook.
Throughout her life, Jean was a caregiver to friends and family. She gave to others, rarely asking anything for herself. Raised on dairy farms as a child, Jean embraced a work ethic that served her throughout her life. As a young woman, Jean worked as a telephone operator in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jean became a stay at home mother when their daughters arrived, taking joy in being a Girl Scout leader, cheerleading coach, and proud homemaker. Later, she worked in the Hyde Park Central School District as a teaching assistant at Ralph R. Smith Elementary School, and later as a library assistant at Haviland Middle School until her retirement.
Active in her community, Jean was a former member of both the Hyde Park Reformed Dutch Church and Hyde Park Methodist Church, singing in the church choir and volunteering for parish committees. Jean was also a former volunteer with Hyde Park Meals on Wheels. An avid golfer, Jean played for many years with Dick and friends in Hyde Park and in Florida, where they were 'snow birds' for many years. Jean loved watching any type of sport, jigsaw puzzles, walking, reading, and crafting. She loved horses, bird watching (especially loons and hummingbirds!), and most of all, spending precious time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and dear friends. When her grandchildren arrived, they became the joy of her life. Jean loved watching them play sports, ride horses, and she was there for them whenever needed.
Jean will be remembered for her positive outlook on life, beautiful smile, quiet confidence, and kind spirit. Jean along with her husband, Dick, maintained the ability to enjoy silliness and laughter with friends and family throughout her life. Jean will also be remembered for her deep faith and how that faith remained with her throughout her life.
Jean was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Richard "Dick" Slavik in 2019 whom she
had married on May 31, 1953, in Hyde Park, NY at the Hyde Park Reformed Dutch Church. Jean and Dick were high school sweethearts and remained so throughout their lives. Although bravely carrying on without her life companion, Jean never quite got over the loss of Dick whom she cared for and loved her entire adult life.
In addition to her husband, Jean was predeceased by her parents, William and Viola Hunt, her sisters; Shirley, Helen "Sis", Betty, her brother, William, and many dear friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Judy Hein (Kevin Hein); and Carrie Keegan (Matt Latvis); four
grandchildren, Michael Coppola, Dominic Coppola (Amanda Coppola), Ally Keegan, and Andie Keegan (Sam Ayers), and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:00 am -11:00 am at the Hyde Park
Reformed Dutch Church, 4408 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY with a Christian service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the family plot at Union Cemetery of Hyde Park.
In lieu of flowers, Jean's family respectfully requests memorial donations to Meals on Wheels of Greater Hyde Park, C/O 1 Church Street, Hyde Park, NY 12538. (www.mealsonwheelsofhp.org).
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Hyde Park.
To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Jean's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.