Ewa Jakubowski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ewa Jakubowski (Marciniak), age 71, on March 31, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Ewa was born in Szczecin, Poland, to Zofia and Sylwester Marciniak. Through dedication she obtained a Masters Degree in Education and was a much beloved Kindergarten Director in her home town. She eventually made her way to the United States, via Italy, which was a brave undertaking at that time. In the US, she built a life rooted in resilience, love, and purpose. For almost 30 years, Ewa worked with dedication at Duke University, where she was known for her quiet strength, professionalism, and warm heart.

Beyond her work at Duke, Ewa enjoyed maintaining and upgrading her home, tending her garden, staying informed about the news and politics, preparing delicious meals for family and friends, and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren—whether at home or during extended trips. She maintained a large circle of friends that visited regularly or stayed close through online forums.

Ewa was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her three children: Matt Jakubowski; Mike Jakubowski and his wife, Colleen; and Nina Daniel and her husband, Andy. She feverishly loved her five grandchildren—Andy, Josephine, Emma, Zofia, and Noelle —who brought her endless pride and joy. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Elżbieta, Dźidka, and family in USA and Europe.

Ewa will be remembered for her gentle spirit, fierce love for her family, and her unwavering devotion to those she held close. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, and her legacy will live on through the family she cherished.

A service to celebrate Ewa’s life will be held on Monday, April 28th at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ewa’s memory with a donation to The Women’s Center of Wake County, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering women experiencing homelessness and crisis.