DANUTA (DEMKEWICZ) ZALEWSKI

Danuta (Demkewicz) Zalewski 90, of Cumberland, RI, died on January 22, 2021 from complications of the COVID-19 virus at the Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket.

  Born in Przemysl, Poland, she was the daughter of the late Victold and Teofila (Siewerga) Demkewicz, and one of six children.

  Danuta was very proud of her Polish heritage and the city of Przemsyl. Her father and brother were both killed in 1939 while fighting for their country in the Battle of Przemysl.

  At the age of 17, Danuta graduated from cosmetology school. She apprenticed for one year and later opened her own salon in Przemysl. There she met the "the love her life", Kazimierz Zalewski of whom she shared 65 loving years until his passing in 2017. They had two daughters in Poland and a third after they immigrated to the United States in 1961 after fleeing communism. Moving several times, Danuta and Kazimierz decided to settle their family in Rhode Island because of the beautiful beaches. Danuta had several jobs over the years including working in hair salons. Her last employment before she retired was working for her husband's business, Custom Dental Lab.

     Danuta always displayed her unconditional love for her family, which she always put first. She is survived by her three daughters, Zeneta Zalewski Klara and her husband Martin of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Elwira Brien and her husband Scott of Fort Myers, Florida, and Marzena Salome and her husband James of Saunderstown, Rhode Island. Four grandchildren, Cory Brien, Vanessa Salome and her husband Ahmed Al Ghamdi, Martin Klara and his wife Megan, and Alexandra Winthrop and her husband Patrick. She also has two great-grandchildren Abdullah and AbdulAziz Al Ghamdi as well as several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her two brothers Bolek and Tadeusz Demkewicz, three sisters, Stasia Masynk, Antonina Trybalski, and Marisa Pilek.

    Danuta had a strong Catholic upbringing which she instilled in her family. Her love for her family was only matched by her love of religion.

     Due to COVID-19 restrictions, calling hours were omitted.

Relatives and friends were welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph's Church, 391 High Street Central Falls, RI at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 27, 2021. Burial was private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Zalewski's  memory to Hope Hospice Center 1085 North Main Street, Providence RI, 02904 or St. Joseph's Church of Central Falls would be greatly appreciated.

     The family would like to thank the Cumberland and Lincoln Fire and Rescue Team as well as Doctors, Nurses and staff at Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket.

     Danuta's love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be missed.

     Our mother is resting in heavenly peace with Our Lord God, joining her husband, parents, and siblings. Until we meet again. May her memory be eternal.

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