Michele Slokar Obituary
Michele Slokar, age 88, of Eastlake, OH passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 in Mayfield, OH. Beloved by her family and friends, Michele's generous spirit, infectious laugh, and abiding faith in God will be deeply missed.
She was born on October 7, 1936 in Videm Krško, Slovenia. Displaced by WWII as a child, she also lived in Austria before coming to the United States in the 1960's. Initially living in Bayshore, Long Island, she changed her name from Mihaela to Michele and claimed to be 17 years old in order to enroll in high school and learn English.
Michele later moved to Cleveland, working for Ohio Bell as a punch card operator (probably the closest thing she ever touched resembling a computer), before marrying and moving to Eastlake where she raised her two daughters. She was a master seamstress and tailor. From her children's clothes to wedding dresses, there was nothing she couldn't fix or create.
She also had the greenest thumb imaginable, growing the tallest pole beans and largest tomatoes in the neighborhood. Along with other fruits, vegetables, and spices from her garden, Michele made almost every meal from "scratch" to her family's delight. And her apple strudel and potica were the best, hands down.
She was an avid reader, loved watching classic American movies (in addition to her nightly game shows on TV), but most of all she loved music. Though she saw the Beatles first performance in the US, she preferred musicals, classical composers, and good old Slovenian polkas and waltzes.
Michele was always generous with her time and skills, volunteering throughout her life at her local senior center, at church, for Friday Fish-Frys at the Slovenian Home, at The Andrews School while her daughters attended, and whenever someone needed a helping hand. She was a devoted member of Riverview Church, attending services and Bible study for decades, as long as she was able.
She is survived by daughter Elizabeth (Steve Burke, daughter Catherine King-Burke), daughter Julie (John) Gallagher, and grandchildren Hannah, Faith, and Violet. She is also survived by family in Slovenia: sister Milka Kranjc and nephews Jože and Alojz.
A service honoring her memory will be held at Riverview Church, 13968 Chillicothe Rd. in Novelty, OH on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. followed by burial at Riverview Memorial Park Cemetery.
