Obituary
Danuta Teresa Semczuk-Mazurkiewicz, DMD, PhD, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away in her home on March 28, 2024 – at the age of 84. Born on March 10, 1940, in Sambor, Poland (present-day Ukraine), Danuta was the only child of Janina Hobler of Lwów, Poland (present-day Ukraine) and Aleksander Semczuk of Kołomyja, Poland.
Danuta met Marian Mazurkiewicz, born in Malkowicze, Poland (present-day Belarus) in 1961 at a dance class held at his college dorm. They married in a civil wedding ceremony in Wrocław, Poland, on June 17, 1964, and a church ceremony in Nowy Sącz, Poland, on October 18, 1964. Their daughters were born in Wrocław, Poland. Jadwiga Agata was born in 1965, and Anna Maria in 1974. Danuta earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and PhD in Dentistry in Wrocław, Poland, in 1964 and 1971, respectively. Danuta worked at Akademia Medyczna in Wrocław, Poland, for many years. She enjoyed working with dentistry students and helping patients who came to the clinic for free dental care.
Danuta loved to travel. She visited many countries on several continents. Some of her more exotic exploits included Egypt, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Danuta was an inspired cook and an adventurous baker and enjoyed entertaining guests. The parties she planned were famous for attention to detail, homemade delicacies, and impeccable presentation. She is remembered for always finding ways to improve the preparation of Polish dishes, such as cooking cabbage for gołąbki in a microwave instead of boiling in a pot. She imparted upon her children and grandchildren the significance of traditions and their Polish heritage. As a devout Catholic, she frequently turned to her rosary in moments of dire necessity, offering prayers on behalf of each of us. We return the favor now as we pray for her.
Danuta moved to the United States of America following Marian in 1981 and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. She traveled between the USA and Poland for some time, eventually settling in the USA for good since her children and grandchildren lived there. Two homes were built in Rolla, MO, another was purchased in Dallas, PA, and finally, a condo was built in Philadelphia, PA.
Danuta is survived by her husband Marian, two daughters, Jadwiga (Dean Carlson) and Anna (Ruben Munoz), grandsons Nicholas and Jonathan Carlson, granddaughters Lena Carlson (Nathan Shay), Mila and Klara Munoz, and a great-granddaughter Tieghan Shay.
A memorial service will be held at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on April 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM.
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Memory wall
Spoczywaj w spokoju Ciociu.
Family tree
Service
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
