Kelly Ann McCune Slawek, 51, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away on May 27, 2026, after a difficult eleven-year journey with cancer.
Kelly was born on January 11, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Robert W. McCune and the late Sera Emiroglu McCune Christian, and the cherished niece of Orysia and David Killion. She is preceded in death by Sera Emiroglu McCune Christian and her grandparents Rose and Stephan Proczko and Sally and Bert McCune.
Kelly is survived by her two daughters, Christina Sarafin Slawek and Alexandra Frances Slawek; her brother, Robert “Bobby” Steven McCune; her father, Robert W. McCune; her aunts and uncles, Orysia Killion (David), Taras Proczko (Marta), and Bohdan Proczko (Kerry); her cousins, Eric Killion (Amber), Nick Killion (Kelsey), Alexander Killion (Samantha), John Proczko (Natalie), Chris Proczko (Brenna), Paul Proczko (Colin), and Daniel Proczko (Jenny). She was beloved by her younger cousins Declan, Zoe, Ashland, MJ, Jax, Carter, Caden and Winnie.
Of all the roles Kelly played in her life, her favorite was that of being a mother. Her daughters, Christina and Alexandra, were her world. From the early years, Kelly was known for her vibrant energy. Kelly graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1993. She was a fierce competitor and a dedicated HHS volleyball player, proudly helping her team win two state championship titles. Kelly loved being outside, caring for her plants and being connected with her surroundings. Kelly could start a conversation and form a bond with anyone she met. She always put others before herself. She loved visiting the Hot Springs in North Carolina, Isle of Palms Beach in South Carolina and her family in Chicago. She enjoyed reading, drawing and being creative in any way she could.
True to her exceptionally strong personality, Kelly chose to face her illness on her own terms, relying on her own beliefs and holistic paths, rather than traditional treatment. Her remarkable resilience allowed her to defy the initial diagnosis for over a decade. She drew her last breath with her brother Bobby by her side.
She was a dedicated mother, a deeply loyal sister and a true friend to many. Kelly’s strength, sharp wit and unforgettable presence will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks.
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Kelly Slawek family.