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.”
RIP: Jeannett Slesnick, former Coral Gables First Lady, commissioner added by Ladra on
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We just recently learned of Jeannett’s passing (and recent illness). Our hearts go out to Don and the whole Slesnick family. She was always a pleasure to talk with and a class act all around. May her loving memory provide comfort to the family.
A wonderful member to our community I always looked forward to her news letter. She will be missed. Our condolences to the Slesnick family.
Jeannette Slesnick always was, and will always remain, Coral Gables’ First Lady.
Just so very hard to hear this very sad news.
Much Love,
Buffy Ezell Roller
Jeannett was a loving and caring person. I can’t think of a time in her company when she did not have a million-dollar smile. She leaves a void that we will all feel.
Stanford Paul
She was a class of her own….a true lady and human being… she really and truly cared for Coral Gables. Will be missed
Our city is much better, brighter and successful because of the years of work Jeannett invested in our community. She will be sorely missed. A ‘force of nature’, Jeannett was one of a kind!
She was a true leader, warm, kind and welcoming. She will certainly be missed. Condolences to Don and her whole family.
My husband, Jose Cano, and I were so saddened to hear of Jeannett’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Don and the entire Slesnick family.
A class act
A good human being
Good family
God bless them all
She is in a better place now
Bendiciones
Jeanette was a woman who set the standard for the rest of us. She was always smiling and made everyone feel at ease around her. She inspired me to begin a real estate career and was always supportive. She sold us our home where we currently live in North Coral Gables. Rest in peace beautiful lady. You will be missed.
Her passion for making daily life better for everyone- her passion for the local libraries, her engagement in the political world, her selling of homes for families to begin making memories, her partnership with Don to be involved in so many organizations and her ongoing devotion to her family… building a next gen of civically engaged people. RIP 💔
I met her first in the supermarket. She convinced me to vote for her husband. After that, I met her several times. She cared for this community. I wonder where we’d be had she been in city hall.
May her memory be an inspiration and a memory for all her loved ones
E Lopez-Brignoni, MD
She was a very lovely & gracious lady! Did wonderful things for Coral Gables.
Truly sad to hear of her loss. All my sympathies & prayers for Don & the family.
I absolutley love Jeannett. Her passion was helping people. She touched so many with her dedication to public service. Her humor, kindness and sharp intellect were propelled by her superhuman energy which was, in turn a product of her love.
She was wonderful, smart, kind and warm, a true Lady. Coral Gables will truly miss her leadership. My condolences to her family.
RIP. Farewell to a great lady. Love to Don and the family
Jeannett was the very best friend, and community leader. Her style was warm, welcoming, and outreaching. She embraced divergent views, listened, and acted in the best interest of the community. Her life and accomplishments are remembered for their kindness, and inclusivity.
Helping with her campaigns was always a delight because she was so positive, and never ran on negatives or attacks. Her service to the our city was excellent and a role model for others to follow.
A bright smile, a cheery “hello” and a warm embrace were her greetings. Our community has lost a wonderful person of integrity and commitment. Your friends miss you, and love you.
Peace and grace for the Slesnick family.
Jeannett was an amazing, gifted woman who gave her all to the community. She will be sorely missed. Jeannett’s kindness and generosity will be missed. I am so sorry to be writing this note.
The world has lost a genuine and generous soul. Coral Gables has lost a champion and servant leader. The Slesnick Clan has lost its Queen. Jeannett’s many friends and colleagues have lost a witty, smart, compassionate and unique partner. I have lost a woman that I have respected and loved for over 40 years. May you rest in peace, Jeannett.
Her hands-on involvement in the community made it such a better place. I’ll miss Jeanette’s Journal. It filled a gap and was a smart publication with what the neighbors needed to know. Most people just complain about issues and she dove in. Such a class act!
Dear Fellow Gableites:
Jeanett Slesnick was “The Voice of the People”, and we are left without words.
My study of our Coral Gables Elections tells me that the Citizens United Supreme Court Case, allowing developers to make unlimited PAC donations to Gables City Commission Candidates, essentially stole the 2017, and 2019, Mayoralty Elections from Jeanett Slesnick.
But for Citizens United, Jeanett Slesnick would have been our Mayor, from 2017 through 2021.
WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, JEANETT,
Jackson Rip Holmes
He was a great mayor, great guy. My condolences to him and his family.
Never met her, but all I have learned about her tells me she was a beautiful human being R.I.P.
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Coral Gables Is a better place because of your contributions and ongoing devotion to the City Beautiful. May you rest in peace.