Sandra L. Slate, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her entire family.

Sandra was born on December 27, 1941, to parents Kenneth and Beulah Hayes of Hounsfield. The family owned and operated a small dairy farm on Fields Road in Hounsfield. There, she met the love of her life, Joseph Carl Slate Sr., who passed away on June 7, 2025. Joe’s family owned the farm next door. They fell in love as childhood sweethearts. 

She was a 1959 graduate of Sackets Harbor Central School. She then attended Watertown Beauty School and graduated in 1960.

Sandra and Joe were married on August 27, 1960, at the Sulphur Springs Methodist Church. For the next three years, they helped with the family farm.

In March of 1963, they moved to Honeyville and purchased the Morris McIntosh farm on Fuller Road. 

Sandra operated her beauty shop within her home for over 20 years, as well as being by her husband’s side in the daily operation of their dairy farm. She was a member of the East Hounsfield Shamrocks 4-H Club, the Honeyville Ladies Aide, her daughters’ Girl Scout Co-Leader, and her sons’ biggest fan at their football games. 

Her home was her pride and joy; nothing was ever out of place. She treasured all her family heirlooms. In her home, she welcomed everyone with the cookie jar always full and a pot of coffee ready to pour. She loved to cook and bake for her large family gatherings. She loved new recipes and collecting cookbooks. Her ultimate joy was her children and grandchildren; she would light right up when they came to visit. 

She is survived by her children: Cynthia Ann (Fred) Overton, Worth, Joseph Carl Jr. Slate (Brenda Ramus), Adams Center, Wendy Sue (Joe) Panetta, Adams Center, William Kenneth Slate, Mannsville; her seven amazing grandchildren: Emilie Harnas (Josh) Conley, Ashley Harnas (Jay Hunt) Gregory, Victoria Panetta (Brian) Brown, Abigail Panetta (Jesse Badore), Joseph Carl III (Danielle) Slate, Corey Slate (Megan Stewart), Thomas Slate (Dana Rabetoy); her ten wonderful great-grandchildren: Liam and Own Conley, Cian, Cody, and Conor Gregory, Brynlee Brown, Joseph Carl IV, Jase, Leeana, and Jaxson Slate; her sisters: JoAnn Staub Roberts, Carole Furgison, Marcia Paradis, Liz (Steven) Sboro, Nancy (Bill) Gould; sister-in-law: Geraldine Slate; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; her childhood best friend: Sharon Stokes Littlefield, Hounsfield; close friend: David Robinson, Syracuse; close family friends: William Harnas, Darlene Slate, Denise Quinn, William Farrington, Kim Ward Tyron, and Bob Snyder.

Sandra is predeceased by her husband Joseph, parents Kenneth and Beulah Hayes, in-laws Stanley and Lillian Slate, brother-in-laws David Roberts, Paul Furgison, Gene Brunozzi, and Collon Slate.

Her family would like to extend a heartwarming thank you to our mom’s caregivers: Bridget, Kelly, Nikki, Ruth, Jenha, Cindy, Leslie, and Ellie, as well as the 4th floor nursing staff and doctors of Samaritan Medical Center. 

A private family graveside service will be held at the Union Cemetery, Adams Center, with Assistant Pastor Jeff Gleason of Grace Community Church officiating. 

Donations of your choice can be made to: South Jefferson Rescue Squad, South Jefferson Backpack Program, or South Jefferson CSD FFA program.

Arrangements with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc., Adams. 

Condolences and memories may be made at  http://www.piddockfuneralhome.com