Ewa Maria Szymanska Milewski

She was born in Warsaw, Poland as the oldest daughter of Col. Antoni and Halina Szymański. After World War II, at a Polish officer social in England, she met the love of her life, Andrzej. Before she even turned to greet him, she said she felt an angel touch her shoulder and whisper, “Pay attention. This man is important to you.” Known for her honesty and spirit, she asked Andrzej after only three dates, “Is this just for fun, or is this going somewhere permanent?” And it was permanent. The two married on February 2, 1950, and lived a love story of more than 72 years. They danced to La Vie en Rose, flirted to the end, and showed us every day that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a commitment you make every day, again and again.

Ewa’s life was defined by faith and family. With Andrzej, she prayed daily—for those who asked and for those who didn’t even know they needed prayer. She blessed every child and grandchild—no matter their age—with a sign of the cross on their forehead when they left the house. She lived her faith in action, in service, and in love.

She was also a maker of things: meals, sweaters, bread, clothes, and warm memories. Her chicken with lemon sauce was legendary—not just because it was delicious, but because it felt like a hug in a dish. She believed that love multiplies and the more you give the more it grows. And that’s how she raised a big family with an even bigger heart.

She poured that same spirit into her work and community. She volunteered in youth ministry and served as Director of Religious Education at her second home, St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gastonia, NC, helping countless children and families grow in faith.

Ewa is survived by her brother, Piotr; her children Maciej (Helen), Teresa (Rodney), Lech (Hania), Halina, Jolanta (Scott), and Elzbieta; grandchildren Karen (Pete), Aleksandra, Matthew (Diana), Kristina (Baqir), and Kate (Cameron); and great-grandchildren Amelia and Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrzej; her son, Bogdan; her foster daughter, Robin; her sisters, Anna and Marysia— all of whom surely welcomed her with joy in Heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont, NC or Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem, NC.

Her legacy is simple and powerful: pray faithfully, love generously, and never forget that love is a choice you make every day.