Jacqeline Jadwiga Kolowski

Jacqueline Jadwiga Kolowski passed away after a short illness on July 11, 2025, after receiving the last rites of her Catholic faith and prayers of reconciliation, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her sisters Cecilia Larkin and brother-in-law Richard, Mary Holt and brother-in-law Dennis, Tracey Kolowska and brother-in-law David Johnson, nephew Kristofer Coward, niece Stefanie Coward, niece-in-law Teresa Barber, great-niece Aleksandria Zosia Coward Thomas, many cousins in the United States and in Poland, God children, her adopted "spiritual children" in the priesthood whom she lovingly supported, and many friends.

Jackie or Jadzia, as she was known to family and friends, was born January 1st, 1939, in the Mazury region of Poland, the oldest of four daughters of Regina (née Zyskowska) and Kazimierz Kołowski. After her father’s passing, the family of five emigrated to the U.S. Jackie took on many responsibilities, helping her mother support the family. While working full time in Polish-owned shops, she learned English and continued her studies in the field of accounting, which she had started in Poland. She soon started working at Arnold Drugs, a division of Borman's, Inc., where she advanced to management positions. She remained with the corporation, which also ran Farmer Jack grocery stores, until retirement. From a young age, she showed a strong desire to help others and be involved in community life. Her life was consumed with the love of Polish culture and she soon became the mainstay of many Polish organizations in the Detroit area as well as on the national level.

In 1978, she joined Friends of Polish Art (FPA) in Detroit, where her organizational skills were immediately recognized. Within a month, she was invited to join the FPA Nominating Committee and soon became the organization’s treasurer; she later served on its board in several positions, and chaired many events. Notably, she chaired a committee that raised over $25,000 pledged to the DIA, honoring its 50th anniversary. The FPA donation was presented at the 1987 American Council for Polish Culture Convention.

When the Michigan Opera Theatre presented the opera Straszny Dwór by Polish composer Stanislaw Moniuszko, Jackie personally sold over four hundred tickets and coordinated a beautiful “afterglow” reception. Her contributions to FPA gradually extended to the American Council for Polish Culture as she became more involved in the national organization’s work.

In 1988 she became the Business Manager for the ACPC’s quarterly journal Polish Heritage. During her tenure, she improved the mailing list system and implemented regular updates. She later served as the first Financial Secretary and chaired the ACPC Nominating and Award Committees, and served on the ACPC Public Relations Committee. Jackie has attended most of the ACPC Conventions since her first in Chicago in 1982, making many friends throughout the U.S.

Jackie has always been ready to support various Polish community initiatives. Especially noteworthy is her work with the American Polish Cultural Center (APCC) in Troy, MI. When Detroit Polonia acquired APCC, Jackie organized numerous cultural events, including fundraisers and concerts, especially the annual Chopiniana, in which she justifiably took great pride. The annual extravaganza which was established over thirty years ago, was chaired by Jackie for half of that time, celebrating the music of great Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin.

Her support for local Polish newspapers and radio program, whether in organizing galas or helping with tasks, is widely appreciated. For many years she was involved in her parish, St. Louise de Marillac in Warren, MI, especially in annual fundraising festivals. She was a member of the Polish National Alliance Lodge 1758, Council 122, and has served as a delegate to the Polish American Congress-Michigan.

Among Jackie's many awards are: the ACPC Founders Award; the Polish American Central Citizens Committee’s Pulaski Medal; Honorary Alumnus of Orchard Lake Schools, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, St. Mary’s Preparatory, and The Polish Mission; the American Polish Cultural Society Appreciation Award in 2022 for organizing Chopiniana, the annual musical event promoting Chopin’s genius. In 2025, she was named by the Piast Institute as one of the Top 25 Polonia Leaders in Michigan.

Viewing at the Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, July 17, at the Wysocki and Wilk Funeral Home, 29440 Ryan Road, Warren, Michigan, with a Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 2500 12 Mile Rd, in Warren, Michigan, on Friday, July 18, at 10:00 AM, followed by a burial at the Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, in Clinton Twp, Michigan.

In recognition of Jackie's devotion to promoting education of young people, the family suggest donations to a Polish scholarship fund of your choice.

Please feel free to leave a thought or Prayer on Jacqeline's Online Guestbook.