Arleen Slawinski-Watkins

On December 29, 2024 Arleen Helen Slawinski-Watkins, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and Nana passed away from ovarian cancer surrounded by love at her home in Cottonwood Heights. During the last few weeks her family and friends filled her home with love, laughter, music, memories, hugs, and tears. Her family and friends will always remember her radiant smile and captivating laugh that filled the room and always made others laugh along with her.

Arleen was born on October 9, 1955 to Florence and Michael Slawinski in Chicago, IL. She grew up with her sister Susan and brother Robert in a Polish neighborhood in the heart of Chicago. As a family they enjoyed camping on the shores of Lake Michigan, in the Ozarks, and especially day trips to the sand dunes, which is where her love for the outdoors began. She graduated from St. Willibrord High School in 1973. She then attended Prairie State College and graduated in 1975 with her Associates Degree in Nursing. She later attended Worcester State College and got her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1982. She was a nurse in various settings for over 30 years, with the last 14 years working for the State Department of Health as a Nurse Auditor before retiring in 2020. She was highly respected in her nursing career for being incredibly supportive to her patients, colleagues, and the employees at the facilities she audited. Her nursing career began at St. Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point, IN where she met her first husband Nathan Robert Currier. Together they lived in Maine, Massachusetts, and then New Hampshire where their son Micah was born. Their love for skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventures brought them to Salt Lake City, UT where their daughter Anya was born. There are many fond memories, especially living in New Zealand, traveling along the Oregon coast, backpacking together, and simple moments of enjoying life together as a family. Although their relationship was not permanent, Arleen and Nathan shared 28 years together. She then met Robert Watkins on a ski lift at Brighton Resort on New Year's Day 20 years ago. Their love began and grew stronger in the mountains. They were married near one of their favorite runs at Brighton Resort on July 10, 2010. They lived their life surrounded by family and friends and had so many great adventures together. Everyone loved Arleen and were blessed by her kind and nurturing spirit. Her love and kindness will be forever etched in our hearts.

Arleen loved to travel with her family and friends all over the world and especially loved Manzanita Beach, OR where she felt a deep connection to the area. Her life was built around venturing outdoors such as skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, running rivers, and long walks on the beach. With her love for the outdoors also came her love for horticulture. She took many classes to study and identify plants making her a master gardener. Plants filled her house and her garden was always overflowing with delicious vegetables. She could be found strolling through art galleries wherever she went and took great pleasure in collecting her favorite pieces to display in her house. She had a deep affection for music and frequently attended music festivals with her friends. She was always singing and dancing to every song, especially with her grandchildren.

She was the most incredible and caring mother and Nana. For her children and grandchildren she always attended all their events and supported their interests with the utmost passion. She was the best listening ear, shoulder to cry on, and hand to hold. She lived her life with joy beyond measure standing by those she loved, despite all odds and differences. She wrapped us all in her love and we never went a day without it. She was our champion, our rock, and our guiding star. She will be profoundly missed every day.

Arleen is survived by her mother Florence Slawinski, husband Robert Watkins, son Micah Slawinski Currier (Chelsea), daughter Anya Slawinski Furano (Calvin), grandchildren Seeger Currier, Dashiell Currier, Miles Furano, and Bianca Furano. She is predeceased by her father Michael Slawinski, sister Susan Slawinski, and brother Robert Slawinski.

A celebration of her life will be held on January 19, 2025 at Red Butte Gardens 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 in the Orangerie from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM with a time to share memories and music from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. There will be pastries and refreshments served.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Huntsman Cancer Foundation to support ovarian cancer research at https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation.