Theresa M (Slanski) Dent

Theresa M. (Slanski) Dent, 86, of Salem Township, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023 at her home. Born in Mocanaqua on November 17, 1936, she was a daughter to the late Michael and Margaret (Sabatos) Slanski and Edythe H. Slanski.

Mrs. Dent was a graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1954. She continued her education at Nesbitt Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Kingston, from which she graduated in 1957 as a registered nurse. She had been employed by the Berwick Hospital as an RN in obstetrics and in the nursery from 1957-1959 and in the Pediatrics unit from 1976 until her retirement in 2001. Theresa was a member of Immaculate Conception BVM Church (St. Mary’s), where she had participated in the liturgy committee and as a greeter and sacristan. She regularly assisted with the Church’s fish dinners and the parish festivals. Theresa was a member of the Senior Circle and the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi National Service Sorority. She was also on the planning committee for the BHS Class of 1954 reunions. She was a very active individual who enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and Silver Sneakers exercise classes at the Berwick YMCA, also meeting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with family and friends. Family was always very important to Theresa. She loved family parties, picnics, and trips to Knoebel’s with her children and grandchildren.

Theresa was a survivor, having beaten four bouts of cancer 2004-2016.

Surviving Theresa are her children: Jeffrey Dent and wife, Jane, of Salona, PA, Deborah Robson and husband, Michael, of Spanish Fort, AL, David Dent and wife, Carla, of Bangor, PA, and Jonathan Dent and wife, Kimberly, of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Thomas Dent (Brittney), Susan Corral (Adrienne), Michael Robson-Rando (Halie), Matthew Robson (Lydia), Madison Robson (fiancée Raener Ayers-Fleming), Andrew Dent, Alanna Dent Camelo (Michael), Abram Dent, Cierra Harvey, Al Harvey, and Michal Harvey (Philippa); great-granddaughter, Cressida Robson-Rando, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Jay P. Dent, who passed away December 20, 1988. She was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Margaret (Slanski) Carter, who passed away on March 6, 2018.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Friday, June 23, 2023 at Immaculate Conception BVM Church, 1730 Fowler Avenue, Berwick, PA 18603. Her pastor, Reverend William Barbee will officiate as Celebrant. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex, Walnut Street, will follow. Calling hours will be 5-7 PM Thursday, June 22 at the Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 E. Third Street, Berwick, and 10 AM until the time of the Mass on Friday, June 23 at Immaculate Conception BVM Church. Memorial contributions in Theresa’s name may be made to Immaculate Conception BVM Church at the address above or to the McBride Memorial Library, 500 N. Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.

Immaculate Conception BVM Church
1730 Fowler Avenue, Berwick PA 18603

McBride Memorial Library
500 N. Market Street, Berwick PA 18603