Margaret D. Filipowski, 92, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving children and close family. She was born to the late William and Michalina (Grygier) Mencz on March 21, 1934, in Erie.
Margaret was a woman of deep faith and quiet devotion, living her life in service to her family, her church, and her community. She was a devoted mother who lovingly cared for her son with special needs throughout her life, a quiet testament to her patience, strength, and unconditional love. Margaret was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church, where she generously gave her time helping with cleaning and preparing funeral dinners. She also volunteered at the Gertrude A. Barber Center, St. John the Baptist School Cafeteria, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the American Red Cross.
She was a wonderful cook whose kitchen was the heart of her home—no one ever left her table hungry. She found joy in caring for others, whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or simply her presence. Margaret also loved to dance, especially polka, and shared that joy with many dear friends throughout her life.
She shared a loving and devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Jerome “Harry” Filipowski, with whom she built a life centered on family, faith, and togetherness.
In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome “Harry” Filipowski; siblings, Robert Menc (Cecelia), William Menc, Jr. (Joan), Audrey Grucza (Edward), James Mencz, and David Sienicki (Mary Ann).
She leaves to cherish the memory of her children: Rene Filipowski of Silver Spring, MD; James Filipowski of Erie; Valerie Kelly (Michael) of Papillion, NE; Stephanie Bertschy (Robert) of Traverse City, MI; and Brian “Flip” Filipowski (Leslie) of Charleroi, PA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrew Kelly (Michelle), Abigail Tobin (Jake), Ryan Bertschy, Bret “Harry” Bertschy, Ian Filipowski, and Edy Margaret Filipowski; and great-grandchildren: Sophia, James, Evelyn, and Grace Margaret.
Margaret will also be deeply missed by her many cherished nieces and nephews, including special nieces Michelle States (Paul) and Marlene Kosobucki (David), both of Erie. She is additionally survived by a brother-in-law, Daniel Filipowski (Elaine) of Erie, and a sister-in-law, Bernadette Hayes of Ormond Beach, FL, as well as a great many close friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.
Relatives and friends are invited to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon at St. John the Baptist Church, 509 East 26th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16504. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be sent to Emmaus Soup Kitchen, Erie City Mission, or EHCA. Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.
Posted online on April 14, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News