Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 3, 2024

LEESBURG, VA – Rose “Bunny” Phyllis Peluso Slobodzinski, 93, of Leesburg, VA, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her daughter’s home surrounded by loved ones.  Bunny was born in Queens, NY in 1930 to Natalie D’Ambrosio and Philip Peluso, an immigrant from Naples, Italy.

Embraced by adoring aunts and uncles, Bunny’s childhood was guided by her faith and defined by an unflappable optimism.  In 1943, her brother Carmen introduced her to the man who would become the love of her life—Edwin John Slobodzinski, also of Queens.  Bunny and Ed’s relationship endured his active duty in WWII and the Korean War.  During that time, Bunny worked in the New York office of Dun & Bradstreet before joining the advertising agency, Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn. The couple married in 1953 and moved to Medford, MA, where they started a family.  Acting on a job listing that Bunny had researched, Ed interviewed and was hired by IBM, prompting a move to Poughkeepsie, NY.  As a family, homelife centered around both his Polish and her Italian cultures, with a strong emphasis on family history, foods, and holiday traditions.  As a couple, they enjoyed dancing to big band music, curling, traveling abroad, and sailing up and down the New England coast.  Later, IBM transfers resulted in moves to Stamford, CT, and finally to Charlotte, NC, where Ed passed away after a bout with cancer in 1985.  In Charlotte, Bunny remained active at home and in the community—hosting dinner parties, gardening, golfing, starting a cookie business, and volunteering at numerous organizations.  

Bunny’s boundless love, strong character, and tireless spirit have left an indelible mark on her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her warmth and playful sense of humor, and will be cherished as the best mother, grandmother, and friend that one could ever ask for. We are especially grateful to her daughter, Deborah, and the team of extraordinary caregivers who ensured that Bunny’s final months were comfortable and full of grace and dignity. 

Bunny was devoted to her three children, Deborah Parker Cook, Peter Slobodzinski and his wife, Karen and Natalie Pangaro and her husband, Bill Thompson; her five grandchildren, Jennifer Whitman and her husband, Jon, Graham Parker and his wife, Jess, Edlyn Parker, Ryan Slobodzinski and his fiancée, Shelby Maher, and Rachel Slobodzinski; and two great-grandchildren, Jaxson Slobodzinski and Huxlee Parker.  She was predeceased by her two brothers, Carmen and Anthony, and her son, Peter.

A private graveside service for the family will be held at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rose’s name to Florence Crittenton where she volunteered.  Donations may be mailed to Crittenton of North Carolina, c/o Development Office, PO Box 36392, Charlotte, NC 28236 or online at https://crittentonofnc.org/. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.