Maria Danuta Skladzien

Maria’s life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and faith. Born in Poland, she carried with her the industrious spirit of her father, an electrical engineer, whose hands-on approach to life inspired her own mechanical aptitude. In her early twenties, Maria immigrated to the United States, arriving in Chicago with just $25 in her pocket. She quickly found work on an assembly line, a role that suited her practical skills and determination.

Maria married while living in Chicago, though her marriage was brief. She found joy from her son, Tommy, whom she adopted from Poland at four and a half years old. To Tommy, Maria was the most beautiful, loving mom and grandmother anyone could ever ask for.

Maria’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early as she established a successful cleaning business, even earning recognition in Entrepreneur Magazine for her achievements. Later, she worked for many years as a bus driver for the Humble Independent School District in Texas. She was entrusted with transporting young mothers to special classes, a responsibility she carried with compassion and care. Her years of service earned her retirement benefits that sustained her later in life.

Maria was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 2, 1995—a moment that marked the beginning of her deep devotion to her faith. She found comfort and hope in the truth of God’s promises, especially after grappling with the loss of her mother and the burdens of religious traditions that didn’t align with Bible truth. Her baptism was a turning point, bringing her peace and a new spiritual family that she cherished deeply.

Those who knew Maria remember her as a woman with the biggest heart. Though shy at the door in the public ministry, she was bold and warm in informal witnessing, reasoning kindly with others and leaving a lasting impression on those she met. She was a loyal friend, a loving mother, and a woman of humor—whether covering the head of a fried fish at a Mexican restaurant to spark laughter, or sharing fishing trips in Galveston with Tommy and friends. She also delighted in the challenge of chess, playing avidly and sharpening her mind through the game she loved.

Maria’s life was not without challenges, but she faced them with courage, faith, and kindness. She leaves behind her son Tomasz and his fiancé, Sherrill, 5 grandchildren (Elijah, Brandon, Trevor, Andrew, and Alissa), her brother, Henryk and sister Barbara (Basha), several family members in Poland, her spiritual family, and many friends who will remember her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion.

Her story reminds us that even with humble beginnings, a life lived with faith and love can leave an extraordinary legacy.