Mary Filipowicz

Mary Margaret Filipowicz (nee Salter) of Springfield, VA passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the age of 95. Preceded in death by her loving husband Paul, Mary leaves behind her children Peter (Sue) Filipowicz, Debbie (Gary†) Reed, Mitch (Eileen) Filipowicz, Sue (John) Jenkins, and Matthew (Margot) Filipowicz; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Sister Joseph Francis CSJ of Framingham MA, and brother Francis Xavier Salter of Haverhill MA. Born 1927 in Haverhill MA to parents Richard and Margaret Salter, Mary joined the US Navy in 1950 and was stationed at USNH St. Albans, Long Island, NY. While serving her country, she was introduced to Paul Filipowicz through a blind date arranged by Paul’s brother Charlie. Mary and Paul were married on February 13, 1954, in Haverhill MA. Military service eventually brought the couple to Springfield, Virginia in 1964 where they built a full and rewarding life. Mary’s well lived years were centered around faith, family, and community. Mary and Paul raised 5 very active children, and throughout 35 years of service to Catholic Charities also fostered 196 infants. She was a devout parishioner of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Springfield VA and was a member of the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, dedicated to management and fundraising duties for four and a half decades. Mary will be remembered by her family for her generous sense of humor, immense love of family, incredible endurance, unwavering dedication, and of course the many hand-knitted blankets she bestowed on each marriage, grandchild and great grandchild. In Springfield VA on October 6, 2022, Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Church at Noon; a visitation to honor Mary will occur from 1PM to 5PM at Demaine Funeral Home; and a casual celebration dinner will be held from 5PM to 8PM at the GSVFD Paul J. Filipowicz Community Hall. Memorial Service and inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Mary’s memory be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington or the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.