Beatrice Rachel Slepchuk's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Beatrice “Bea” Rachel (Tellier) Slepchuk, affectionately known to many as “Auntie Toots.” Bea passed away after a sudden illness on October 1, 2025.
Bea was born on November 23, 1932, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to the late Albert and Aurelia (Aubuchon) Tellier. She was one of five children, all of whom predeceased her: Donald Tellier, Roland Tellier, Roger Tellier, and her beloved sister Claire (Tellier) Gill.
After graduating from Chicopee High School in 1951, Bea worked for the City of Chicopee at the Board of Public Welfare before becoming a devoted stay-at-home mom. Once her children were grown, she returned to the workforce, taking a full-time position at the Springfield Court House, where she worked until her retirement.
After dating for five years, Bea married the love of her life, Nicholas “Nick” Slepchuk, on February 4, 1956. They shared nearly seventy-five wonderful years together. Bea lost her soulmate Nick on March 17, 2025, less than seven months before her own passing. Bea and Nick were inseparable—a truly special couple who lived most of their lives in Springfield, Massachusetts, before becoming snowbirds and eventually settling full-time in Fort Myers, Florida. They were social and outgoing, loved to dance (especially to polkas), travel, entertain, and dine out. Bea especially enjoyed playing slot machines at the casino.
Family was everything to Bea. She was predeceased by her son, Nicholas Jr., a loss she never fully overcame. She is survived by her daughter, Nadine Ginsberg (Martin), and her three beloved granddaughters: Jessica Wilson (John), Kimberly Ginsberg, and Elizabeth Slepchuk, as well as her daughter-in-law, Lori Slepchuk. Bea was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Wilson and John Wilson (“Trey”). In recent months, Bea treasured spending time with her great-grandchildren, especially welcoming baby Trey in August. She also adored her many nieces and nephews.
Bea was admired by all as the perfect “fashionista”—always impeccably dressed, with matching shoes and purses, and her hair perfectly styled. She carried herself with grace and poise and was a truly beautiful woman inside and out.
Bea’s final resting place will be with Nick at the Agawam Veteran’s Cemetery. For those who wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society in Laconia, New Hampshire (https://www.nhhumane.org/donate).
To Bea’s family: Most of you last saw Bea a short time ago at Nick’s memorial, where she was overwhelmed by your love and support. She loved each and every one of you. We will be honoring Bea with a private ceremony in Florida.
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