Nov. 18, 1931 — Nov. 25, 2024
Eileen Slowikowski, an Ashland and Talent resident of more than 50 years, passed peacefully at home on Nov. 25, 2024, with her family at her side. Eileen was 93 years old.
Eileen was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on Nov. 18, 1931, to Catherine and Joseph Morris. The family moved to Pasadena, California, when Eileen was a toddler. She and her younger sister, Catherine, attended Mayfield Catholic school, and Eileen later attended UCLA, graduating with a degree in Design.
In 1957, Eileen married Jozef Slowikowski, a feisty Polish immigrant, and they went on to have four sons: Mark, Michael, Paul and John. As a family, they had many adventures, traveling far and wide, and taking on many projects and challenges, including building an off-grid cabin in the Greensprings, outside of Ashland.
In 1973, the Slowikowski family moved to Ashland, Oregon. They soon found a small house on Highway 99 in Talent, and opened Chata Restaurant in 1975. Chata served tasty East European dishes, and for 25 years was a favorite place to gather for many people in the Rogue Valley.
Eileen’s passion for food — which she loved to cook, as well as eat — made Chata the kind of place where everyone had a favorite, unusual dish. For many years, the entire Slowikowski family worked together, and for many locals, it felt more like visiting friends, than dining out. Chata closed in 2000, when Eileen and Jozef were finally ready to work a bit less, and enjoy life a bit more.
Eileen had many gifts: cooking, sewing, entertaining, and gardening. Her homes and gardens reflected her passions, as did her flair for always being beautifully put together. But most of all, Eileen loved and cared for her family and friends.
Those on Eileen’s guest list will remember her parties that fell on unusual dates. For example, 8/8/88 was a reason for a huge celebration, as were many other dates that people wouldn’t have otherwise paid attention to. With Eileen’s Irish roots, St. Patrick’s Day was always celebrated, taking many days of cooking.
How fortunate we all were, to bask in Eileen’s unique circle of light. Everyone was better for having her as a friend. Her friends were of all ages, and many were decades younger than she was. She was truly ageless, and was up for any adventure well into her 80s — including camping on the ground in a small pup tent, and traveling to far-away lands.
Eileen walked through her life with grace, and no matter what was thrown her way, she still managed to smile, and make everyone around her feel better — even when her own life held unimaginable grief.
Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Jozef, in 2014, as well as her son Paul, in 2004, and son John, in 1991. She is survived by her sons, Mark and Michael, grandsons Alex & Soren, grandson Devin (Olivia), great-grandson Yuri, as well as her beloved sister, Catherine (Jeff). Eileen’s dear daughter-in-law, Gail — who was always like a daughter — also survives. Eileen also leaves a large community of friends that deeply mourn her passing.
In honor of Eileen’s life, smile at a stranger, help someone in need, or have a party. And don’t forget the hors d’oeuvres.
Obituaries may be submitted to Ashland.news via our online article submission form, or via email to news@ashland.news, with a photo or two attached if desired. Please be sure to include dates of birth and death, and reference to connections to Ashland/Talent/Southern Oregon. Please allow a few days for posting. There is no charge. Those wishing to make a donation supporting the Ashland.news service may do so here.
