Eileen Helen Owen
LOLO — Eileen Helen Owen (Grandma Lolo), died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at her home in the presence of all of her children and most of her grandchildren.
Eileen was born Nov. 26, 1915, in New Richmond, Wis. She was a 54-year resident of Lolo where she and her husband Jack arrived with five children and added four more children to the family they raised on four acres north of Lolo Creek.
Eileen, who had eight siblings, was raised on a dairy farm in the New Richmond area. She attended grade school and high school in that community. After working for a few years as a waitress and telephone operator, she left New Richmond at the beginning of World War II, moving to California with two of her sisters. She worked with North American Aviation as a clerk typist.
At the conclusion of the war, Eileen met and married Jack Owen who was serving in the U.S. Marines. Eileen moved with Jack to his home state of Montana in 1945. Her first look at Montana came in the early morning as their train pulled into Paradise. Eileen told the story of looking out at the surroundings of this little railroad town and saying, "If this is paradise, I don't think I want to see more."
Jack and Eileen lived for a short time in Woodworth where Jack was employed with his father in the lumber business. They next moved to Missoula where their first child Mary Eileen was born in 1946. Eileen had nine children in 12 years.
She spent a lifetime pampering and looking after the needs of her children. Eileen welcomed hundreds of people to the farmhouse at Lolo. She made her home a haven for family and friends. Her caring ways, gracious manner and ever-present Irish wit made all who met her feel special and welcome.
She shared her table with her children's friends and many others. Her doughnuts and maple bars were a legend in Lolo.
For decades the holidays have been a testament to the special bond that the whole Owen family shares. Her greatest love was watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She encouraged her children to attend college and found extreme pleasure in their vocations as teachers and coaches. Her humble, selfless character continued to draw the clan to Lolo until the very end.
Eileen's passing will leave a huge void in the gatherings, but she has instilled a tremendous sense of the importance of family, which will continue to be nurtured by her children and grandchildren. Lolo will always be home base for the Owen family and Eileen will be on the lips and thoughts of her offspring forever.
Eileen's husband Jack died in 1994.
Her children include, in descending order, Mary and husband Paul Quesnell of Kennewick, Wash., John and wife Janet of Spokane, Mike and wife Kris of Missoula, Bill and wife Pam of Polson, Bob and wife Sandi of Polson, Nancy and husband Terry Olson of Lolo, Kathy and husband Terry Souhrada of Lolo, Tim of Spokane and Don and wife Jenny of Spokane.
The family expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Sheila White who provided home care to their mother during her last few years.
Funeral services were held Aug. 13 at the Spirit of Christ Catholic Church.