Obituary: Kathleen Sliter of RWC, Was Lifelong Musician

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by the family of Kathleen Sliter.]

Kathleen Sliter (January 31, 1955 - September 10, 2013)

Kathleen was born in Port Hueneme, CA, to her parents Karen and Cliff Fraser. She was the oldest of four children, her sisters Beth Ferris and Kristine Fraser, and her brother Andrew Fraser.

She graduated from Buchser High School in Santa Clara, CA, in 1973 and studied music at San Jose State. She began playing the flute in fourth grade and continued playing throughout the rest of her life. She was a member of the Santa Clara County Honor Band, the California State Music Educators Honor Band and went on tour with America’s Youth in Concert.

Music remained a large part of her adult life, as Kathleen played flute and piccolo for the Woodside Village Band, Woodside Community Theatre, Lyric Theatre Orchestra, The Magic Flutes Flute Orchestra, Saratoga Symphony, Winchester Symphony, Mission City Opera Orchestra and other local music organizations.

Kathleen was married to George Sliter on June 2, 1979. They were married for 33 years until George’s death in 2012. They had two children together, Alden Sliter and Lauren Sliter, and Kathleen was the stepmother of George’s four sons, Ray Sliter, Troy Sliter, Neil Sliter and George Sliter.

Besides her passion for music, Kathleen also enjoyed creating and showing miniatures with the Mini Addicts, a local miniatures club.

Kathleen died peacefully in her home with her children, grandchild, mother and close friend by her side.

There will be a Musical Tribute and Celebration of Kathleen’s life on September 22 at 2:00 pm, at the Elks Club Lodge in Emerald Hills. All are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lyric Theatre Orchestra, P.O. Box 6741, San Jose CA 95150, as was Kathleen’s wish.