Slavik

Kate M. Slavik, 43, of Slippery Rock, passed away Friday July 11, 2025.

She was born Aug. 29, 1981, to beloved parents David and Charlene Slavik.

With profound sorrow and endless love, we share the passing of Kate Slavik, whose life was a light to everyone who knew her. Diagnosed with cancer in November 2022, Kate faced and fought cancer with extraordinary strength and grace. She walked through life with both courage and softness. Though her time here was far too short, the impact of her spirit, her heart and her love will remain etched in the lives of so many.

She is survived by her loving husband, Nathaniel Lauschus; her precious daughters, Merrick Long and Monroe Long; her parents, David and Charlene Slavik; her brother, Joshua (Allison) Slavik; and countless family and friends whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Kate went to Community College of Beaver County to receive an associate degree in graphic design, Edinboro University for a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Lenape for her LPN and Eastern Gateway Community College for registered nursing. Kate also had a black belt in karate. Kate worked at Butler Memorial Hospital as an LPN then RN.

More than anything, Kate was a mother who adored her two daughters, Merrick and Monroe. Her love for them was fierce, gentle and all-encompassing. She poured herself into every moment with them, watching in awe as they bloomed into their own. Whether she was riding bikes alongside them, hiking the trails at McConnells Mill, swimming at Moraine, baking cookies, singing and praying every night, or curled up on the couch for movie nights, Kate created a world full of warmth, laughter and love. She saw her own reflection in their faces, and in them, her light will continue to shine in Merrick and Monroe.

Kate was a devoted wife to her husband, Nate, with whom she shared a deep and unwavering love. Together they built a beautiful life full of laughter, partnership and tenderness. Their bond was real and strong, rooted in shared adventures and quiet support, in stolen glances and inside jokes. They traveled all over the states hand in hand, creating endless memories in coffee shops and while hiking trails, even sharing a dance in the kitchen without any music playing like no one was watching. Kate was a master of puns and could always make Nate laugh, even on the hardest days. On their wedding day, and every day after, their love shined brightly … simple, joyful and full of heart. They didn’t always need words … often, just a glance between them was enough to say everything. The kind of love that doesn’t have to be loud to be felt deeply.

Kate was also a beloved daughter. She shared a special closeness with her mother, Charlene, and father, Dave Slavik, a bond of deep trust and unconditional love, their connection was a source of strength and comfort throughout Kate’s life. Kate loved spending holidays at her parents’ home creating unforgettable memories, from planting flowers in the spring and baking with her mother, taking walks and camping with her family as a child, going to Hozak Farms in the fall for pumpkins and to her father teaching her how to drive a car and ride a motorcycle, her father even taking her to her first concert: Beach Boys. She enjoyed playing board games and video games with her brother Josh.

Kate’s calling as a nurse was more than a profession, it was a reflection of her heart. She didn’t just care for her patients … she uplifted them. She brought comfort during pain, calm during fear and kindness in moments that mattered most. Her presence in the hospital was not just noticed, it was felt. Kate had a natural ability to ease suffering, to be present with grace and to make people feel safe in her care. She was, simply put, the kind of nurse who reminded everyone what it truly means to be human. Colleagues often said she had a healing touch, not just with medicine, but with words, her smile and her steady, gentle spirit. She carried light into the darkest rooms and gave dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments. To be cared for by Kate was to be seen, known and held with genuine compassion.

Kate’s light will never go out. It lives on in every life she touched, in the love she gave and in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Even though we all are grieving, Kate always wanted for Family, loved ones, friends and co-workers to smile while thinking of a memory of her.

SLAVIK — Per her wishes, there will be no funeral viewings and services for Kate M. Slavik, who died Friday July 11, 2025.

Arrangements were made through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler.

A celebration of life for Kate will be announced in the future.

Please offer condolences at www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.