Former Coral Gables Commissioner Jeannett Slesnick, a class act who was involved in many civic organizations and served as First Lady of the City Beautiful for 10 years, died Thursday evening after a long battle with cancer. She was 75.
Slesnick, wife of former Mayor Don Slesnick (2001-2010), was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2014 and also fought back breast cancer in 2016, one year after she won election as a commissioner. She did six weeks of radiation and went into remission. Then the lymphoma returned in 2020 and there was more chemo to beat it back. Until it returned again earlier this year, Jeannett said in an email sent to friends in June, warning them that she had little time left.
“The lymphoma came back again in 2023, and this time it was recommended that I do a very aggressive treatment called CAR T-cell therapy through a specialist at MCI. Up until this point, Don and I had been cruising, traveling and enjoying life, but I had to stop all of these activities four months in advance in order to prepare for the treatment.
In March, I started rounds of tests and more chemo, and on April 3 I checked into Baptist Hospital. Sixty-four days later, I cam home, completely immobile, 55 pounds lighter and totally unable to eat. It as a near-death experience and my doctor said I was extremely close to not surviving this nightmare.
I’m still shaky, can’t eat much, and can’t respond well to texts and emails. Everything wears me out. I have had very few visitors because I can’t cope with the mental stimulation. It is difficult for me to even concentrate on talking.
I want to thank all of my friends for the hundreds of emails, cards, floral arrangements and food brought to the house. Don is especially thrilled with the meals since his cooking abilities are limited, to say the least.
I have wonderful memories of Coral Gables and all the many organizations I have served. Our hometown is a special place and I am proud to be a resident. I have always loved contributing what I can to my community.
My doctor says I have two months plus left, but with my positive attitude, who knows! It could be longer.
It ended up being shorter.
But that is just the kind of person Jeannett Slesnick was — the kind who prepared her loved ones for whatever came next.
“She was very good at leading the way,” Don Slesnick told Ladra late Thursday. No plans had been made yet for any funeral or memorial services.
Jeannett Slesnick worked really hard to become the number one realtor in Coral Gables for single family homes. After 25 years with EWM, Jeannett opened her own firm in 2005. A few years later, she partnered with Ginger Jochem creating a dynamic duo that became the créme de la créme in real estate brokers. This is who you wanted to sell your house.
They also started publishing Jeannett’s Journal, a magazine about Coral Gables news, culture and business. She had an enviable mailing list.
In 2017, Jeannett ran for mayor against Raul Valdes-Fauli, whom her husband had beat in 2001. She lost by a scant 186 votes. She tried again in a rematch two years later — and gained the support of former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. This time, she lost by a scanter 123 votes. Both campaigns were marked by nasty mailers with misinformation and attacks.
Read related: Bob Graham, others host huge campaign gig for Jeannett Slesnick
But Slesnick, who was devoted to her family, found other ways to make a difference in her community. She served on or chaired numerous boards of non-profits including the South Florida Red Cross, Coral Gables Museum, Actors’ Playhouse, Junior League of Miami, Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Coral Gables Garden Club and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church.
“She was so special to our city because of all her wonderful civic work,” said former Commissioner Ralph Cabrera. “She will be deeply missed by many.”
She was also involved in politics, but from behind the scenes, supporting candidates and holding fundraisers. One of the things she asked from her hospital bed was if Commissioner Ariel Fernandez had won his seat this past April.
“Tonight, our city has lost a dedicated public servant and champion for residents. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Jeannett Slesnick,” Fernandez said in a statement. “Although we campaigned against each other in 2015, we came together after that election and worked together to make the city we loved a better place.
“Jeannett, thank you for your friendship and support and the love and dedication you gave to our Coral ables. My thoughts and prayers are with Don, Kathleen Don III, Ceci and the entire Slesnick family.”
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