Claire Manganaro Slater

Claire Manganaro Slater, 83, of Charleston, died on Saturday, February 5, 2011, in a local hospice. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island, May 3, 1927, daughter of Raphael (Ralph) and Ada Manganaro. She graduated from Classical High School in Providence in 1945. Claire met her future husband while he was attending the U. S. Naval Academy, a classmate of her brother. She was a Navy wife for more than 30 years, accompanying her husband to many varied duty stations. They raised four children in the process, and she made lasting friends everywhere, including both coasts of the United States, Japan and the Philippines. After her husband's Navy retirement, the couple settled in Charleston in 1978, and has resided here since that date. She is remembered as a loving wife and mother, and a wonderful cook. Her hobbies included working in her garden and sewing. An expert seamstress, she made all her own clothes for many years. She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Captain Robert W. Slater; four children: Robert H. Slater of Millsboro, Delaware; Thomas S. Slater of Raleigh, North Carolina; Barbara Slater of Charleston; and Kalea Weaver of Norman Park, Georgia; ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The relatives and friends of Claire M. Slater are invited to attend her Funeral Liturgy at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston. The Rite of Committal will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday in Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, February 7, 2011 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to the Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Arrangements are by the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, (843) 766-1365. Mrs. Slater's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com.