Maria Elaine Kowalski

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected loss of Maria E. Kowalski, beloved daughter, sister, and soon to be wife. A beautiful, gentle soul, Maria leaves with us a legacy of love, laughter, and never ending light.

Maria was born in Washington, DC, the only girl of three triplets. Raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA, Maria moved back to DC to attend college at American University alongside her brother, Todd.

Maria was a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). She worked as a Senior Meetings Coordinator at the American Society of Nephrology.

More than anything, Maria loved alternative rock music, Japanese culture, Anime, Pokemon, concerts, travel, and lots of laughs with loved ones. Maria loved wearing black and loved her very colorful Anime tattoos.

Soon to be married to the love of her life, Maria is survived by her fiancé Mark Sapp, mother Janice Kowalski, father John Kowalski, brothers Stephen (Madison), Todd (Vivian), and Matthew Kowalski, niece Abigail, and her beloved cat, Derby.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Elaine Powis and Joseph and Julia Kowalski.

Her favorite quote sums up her spirit perfectly, “Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.” (First Law of Equivalent Exchange from Fullmetal Alchemist)

Truly one of a kind, we will carry Maria with us every day of our lives.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016. A Service of Remembrance will begin at 7:00 P.M., followed by a reception and time together with family and friends.

Please consider making a memorial donation to City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue in Maria’s honor.

Ways to Support Us - City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue:

https://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/ways-to-support-us/