Flora Lee Jarnitzky Slatko

Flora Lee Slatko peacefully passed away, one quarter into her 99th year of age, surrounded by her loving family. Flo, as she was affectionally known, was born in Waco, Texas, the daughter of Raven and Esther Jornitzky. She grew up in Waco where she attended public schools and made lifelong friends. Flo graduated from Waco High School with highest honors, winning the state Latin tournament and bringing coveted trophies to her school. To help her family financially, Flo sold sandwiches her parents made in their small grocery store to students on the Baylor University campus. Flo was accepted to many colleges, with offers of full scholarships, and chose to attend Baylor in Waco on full academic scholarship. She graduated in 1944 with high honors. Flo served on the debate team and was an editor of the Baylor yearbook, while concurrently working in the president's office. She was also a member of several honorary societies. Following her graduation, she was employed by the American Zionist Youth Commission as their first Field Worker, traveling to six states organizing youth groups. Her warm, engaging personality and strong work ethic led to many accolades and successes for the program. In 1946, she married Leon Slatko, of blessed memory, for a union that lasted 63 years. They met at a United Service Organization (USO) dance, which she helped organize, where Leon from Philadelphia was stationed at a nearby Army base. They initially lived in Palestine, Texas where Leon was a veterinarian and soon welcomed their sons Barton and Malcolm. Several years later, they moved to Houston where their daughter Elissa was born and where they remained to raise their family. Flo and Leon instilled in their children, through words and actions, to believe in themselves and contribute to society. Flo and Leon were among a small group of founders and lifetime supporters of Congregation Brith Shalom, where Flo served in many capacities including sisterhood president and synagogue board member. There, she was one the first women to be called to the Torah for an aliyah. Having a lifelong commitment to her faith, Flo had her Bat Mitzvah when she was 90. She also received the Marcia Sheena Memorial Torah Fund Award for her service to the sisterhood. The synagogue was an integral part of her life and it was there she made many lifelong friends. Flo was a life member of Hadassah and a past board member of both the Jewish Community Center and Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services Center. She was also a member of Chevra Kavod Hamet (Society to Honor the Deceased). Flo was an accomplished public speaker and for many years freely tutored Bar and Bat Mitzvah students in the preparation and delivery of their speeches. She was an accomplished realtor with Lewis and Barvin Co. in Southwest Houston but always placed her role as a wife and mother above her work. One of her many attributes was that she was a cherished friend to many who sought her counsel, as a dear friend to all and always being available, especially in time of need. Flo never met a stranger. She was kind and non-judgmental of all she met. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raven and Esther Jornitzky, her brother and sister-in-law Saul and Celia Gellman, her brother Harry Jornitzky, and her son Malcolm Slatko. "Bubby", as she was known to her family, is survived by her children Barton (Betty) Slatko of Houston, Texas and Elissa (Tom) Varadi of Houston, Texas; and daughter-in-law, Leslie Slatko of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren – Elissa (the late Scott) Vingers of Sacramento, California; Lynne Dorsky (Brendon Murphy) of Rutland, Vermont; Kitt Slatko of Houston, Texas; Jennifer Varadi of Houston, Texas; Chaim Slatko of Jerusalem, Israel; Evan (Jennifer) Varadi of Houston, Texas; and Lauren Slatko of Austin, Texas. Flo leaves behind six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous relatives. The Slatko and Varadi families thank the staff of The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence and her caretakers for their unwavering care and concern. The funeral was held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak, 7445 Awty School Ln. Houston, TX 77055 with a graveside service immediately following. For those wishing to view the recording of the Live Stream please use the following link: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b Memorial contributions in her name can be made to The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence https://www.sevenacres.org/living-care-options/medallion/ or to Congregation Brith Shalom https://www.brithshalom.org/. Rest in peace, our beloved "Bubby". You will be truly missed by all who knew you and the many lives you touched.

Flora Lee Jarnitzky Slatko

January 3, 1924 - April 20, 2023