Ilion - Mrs. Marion F. Slocum, 94, formerly of Main St. in Newport, passed away Monday, January 27, 2014 in St. Luke's Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. She was born in Ilion on June 15, 1919, the daughter of the late Lee and Lucy Morrisette Turner and she attended Saranac Lake Schools. Early in her childhood, she moved with her parents to Stony Wold, NY, near Saranac Lake and graduated with the class of 1938. Soon thereafter she returned to Ilion where she met and married Fred Slocum in 1940 with whom she was united until his death on October 4, 1997. After a period in Ilion, Marion and her husband moved to Newport where they continued to raise their five children. After their children were grown, she began work as a Teacher's Assistant at the West Canada Valley Elementary School in Newport. She retired from that position after fifteen years of service in 1982. She was an active member of the Newport Methodist Church for many years. Marion was raised a true "Adirondack girl." She had an abiding love for nature and for the out-of-doors. Throughout her youth, she followed closely behind her father, which might have been on snowshoes in winter or in a guide boat in summer. It was through him that she learned about the forest and its wildlife and it was from him that she inherited an uncanny knack for the successful planting and maintenance of a vegetable garden, a skill which she later transferred to her beautiful flowers. Among her many passions was that of being an avid reader. It's certain she retained much of what she read because she seemed always to have a valid point of view. There was never a doubt about her innate wisdom and her position as family matriarch was unquestioned. She was adored by family and friends alike and will be deeply missed by all. Marion is survived by three daughters and two sons in law, Virginia and Craig Mattison of Ilion, Marilyn Slocum of Utica and Doris and Michael Romano of Oneida; two sons and daughters in law, Lee and Karen Slocum of Herkimer and John and Sara Slocum of Newport, eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and two nieces. She was predeceased by her son, Terry Slocum; her sister, Doris Ann Turner and many aunts and uncles. Her funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of her family from the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St. Herkimer. In keeping with Marion's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marion's memory may be made to H.A.L.O. 615 Albany St., Little Falls, NY 13365. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Marion's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com