Jadwiga Lawinski

Jadwiga Lawinski, affectionately known as “Kitty Main,” passed away on January 1, 2025, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. She was born on December 3, 1945, near Lima, Peru, to Alexander Lawinski and Hilda (Reategui) Lawinski.

Jadwiga is survived by her devoted children: Ralph “Alex” Main and his wife Meredith of Norfolk, Virginia; Janice Dowsett and her husband Chris of Hartsel, Colorado; Alexandra Kampert and her husband Frederick of Smithfield, Pennsylvania; and Christopher Main and his wife, Dagnika “Nikki” of Gerrardstown, West Virginia. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Amberli Main McLin, Jake Main, Katelyn Main, Dylan Main, Natalie Main, Jefferey Stamm, and Lucas Kampert; her great-grandson, Benson McLin; her sisters, Hilda Alexandra “Olenka” Bobrek and Wanda Lawinski; several nieces and nephews; and her precious cat, Sherbert. She was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Hilda, her sister Maria Cecilia Lawinski, and her former husband, Cecil Ralph Main.

Raised in Lima, Peru, Jadwiga attended a private Catholic high school, where her love for learning and music flourished. She was an accomplished pianist and a passionate educator. Her intellectual curiosity led her to the United States to study archaeology. Here, she met and married Cecil Ralph Main of Salem, West Virginia, with whom she shared a significant chapter of her life.

In 1988, Jadwiga graduated with honors from Salem College, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in business and marketing. She was a proud member of the Gamma Beta Phi Society and Alpha Phi Omega. Her professional journey was marked by her dedication to education and cultural exchange. She began her teaching career as a bilingual instructor of English as a Second Language at the North American Peruvian Cultural Institute in Lima, Peru, from 1970 to 1974. Later, she served as an instructor of Spanish as a Second Language.

Jadwiga’s passion for fostering international understanding continued when she was hired in 1988 as the International Student and Scholar Advisor at Salem College (later Salem-Teikyo University). In this role, she provided invaluable support to students attending the University from around the world, helping them navigate their academic and cultural experiences and fostering understanding and friendship across cultures. She also served as an area representative for the Open-Door International Exchange Student Program, recruiting host families and coordinating cultural exchanges. Her generosity extended to hosting students from Chile, Israel, and Sweden, creating lifelong connections.  Jadwiga was admired for her warmth, selflessness, and dedication to her students and community.  She coordinated outreach activities involving Salem Teikyo University students and the local Harrison County and West Virginia communities, fostering bonds that enriched countless lives. She often spoke of all the students she mentored as her “children” and took pride in creating a supportive and nurturing environment.

Jadwiga’s legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements. Her kindness and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, always extending a helping hand to those in need. Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and love, where she often hosted gatherings that brought people together. Whether mentoring students, supporting her family, or volunteering in her community, Jadwiga’s compassion touched countless lives. Her willingness to give freely of her time, resources, and heart made her an inspiration to all who knew her.

Jadwiga cherished the connections she made throughout her life and inspired many with her kindness and dedication. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Ruby Memorial Hospital and St. Barbara’s Memorial Nursing Home in Monongah for the care and tenderness bestowed on us and upon our mother, Kitty, as she made the transition to heaven.

Jadwiga was a former member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem, West Virginia.  A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, January 19th, at Davis Funeral Home and Crematory located at 1999 W Main Street, Salem. The gathering will be held from 1-3 pm followed by a service at 3 pm with Rev. B. K. Akila Rodrigo officiating. 

Instead of flowers, you can donate to a charity cause.  Kitty was an animal lover who cared for strays and adopted a few animals in her lifetime. The Marion County Humane Society would be a fitting tribute and accepts supplies or cash donations.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home - Salem is honored to serve the Lawinski family.

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