Julie Slaten

Julie Slaten, 53, died in the early hours of October 29, 2012. Julie was smart, funny, fiercely independent, and amazed everyone with her toughness and tenacious will to live. She was a cheerful shopaholic and a sharp dresser with a love of shoes and an eye for a bargain. She made beautiful jewelry that she was often urged to sell but preferred to give as gifts. She inspired the love and dedication of her family and many wonderful friends.

Julie was born June 26, 1959, in Fort Stockton, Texas, and lived in Houston and Austin, where she had a successful career in the legal field working at firms including Vinson & Elkins and K&L Gates. She is survived by her mother Laura Foitik, sisters Karen Harter, Ashley Slaten and Ellen Slaten, brother-in-law Jim Harter, nephews Jason and Sam Harter, and her dearest friends Kathy Guthrie, Janet Barrington and Kathy Fischer. She was preceded in death by her father Will Slaten, stepdad Buddy Foitik, and her beloved dog and ever faithful companion, Chloe.

During her 4 A½ year showdown with cancer, Julie received skilled, compassionate care and friendship from caregivers too numerous to name, but especially: Dr. Chadha, Pam, Monica, Cheryl, Gillian, Berta and Sharon at Texas Oncology; Jamie and Marlene of Robinson Creek; volunteer and friend Larry Ketch; the nurses and aides at Regency Village; and Nanci Moon and Hospice of the Hills. We will always be grateful to Joel at Regency Village for his extraordinary care in her final hours. Julie fought hard to live but achieved peace in the hour before her death.

A celebration of Julie's life will be held on a date to be determined. In the meantime and always, in remembrance of Julie we encourage you to hug someone you love, give your dog an extra treat, wear some sparkly jewelry, and enjoy a chicken chalupa at Chuy's, fajita nachos at Matt's El Rancho, a slice of pizza, a juicy steak, a latte from Starbucks, a cupcake, or maybe an apple-tini! In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity benefiting animals (in honor of Julie's love for Chloe) or your favorite cause.