Eileen Slowikowski

Eileen Slowikowski, an Ashland and Talent resident of over 50 years, passed peacefully at home on November 25, 2024, with her family at her side. Eileen was 93 years old.
Eileen was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on November 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 Hwy 99 in Talent, and created 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 & gardens reflected her passions, as did her flair for always being beautifully put together. But most of all, Eileen loved & 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, & was up for any adventure well into her 80's - including camping on the ground in a small pup tent, & 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.