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1948-2025
Melinda Czerwinski, 77, passed away May 11, 2025, at the Hospice House in Poland, Ohio.
Melinda was born March 8, 1948 in Morgantown, W.Va. She is preceded in death by her father, (Attorney) Thomas Pettigrew; her mother, Dorothy Jane Pettigrew-Ross and step-father, Victor Ross. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lauren Czerwinski of East Palestine, and her brother, E. Campbell Pettigrew of Charleston, West Virginia.
Having spent most of her life in Charleston, W.Va., Melinda was a graduate of West Virginia State University, earning a Master's Degree in Social Work. She also obtained a real estate license from Robert Morris.
She practiced social work for a number of years at many Pittsburgh hospitals: St. Francis, St. Margaret's, and Iner Presbyterian Hospital. After moving to East Palestine she worked for Hospice of the Valley for over 25 years until her retirement.
Over the course of her lengthy career, she found an incredibly profound sense of purpose and connection in her hospice work and developed bonds and a unique sense of community with the other caregivers. It was not only a rewarding career but she greatly cherished the lifelong friendships she made, friendships that she still talked about long after retirement and losing every-day contact with those special coworkers.
Those friendships proved themselves profusely in her hour of need. It was those former coworkers who came to her side during her short stay at the hospice house and brought such incredible comfort to both Melinda and her daughter. Their kindness and utmost compassion will never be forgotten.
Melinda was an incredibly dedicated social worker who could make the biggest impact with just small actions and few words. She was someone who made it her mission to improve the lives of others. She encouraged others to propel themselves forward and bring about change. According to a former coworker, "She always brought humor with caring regards to her patients. She was a friend to all, especially those in need." Someone else stated, "Those were the Melinda days." She brought joy to the team and had a joyful laugh.
Aside from her career (in her much younger days), she enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, golf, and traveling. She loved to garden and landscape: you didn't dare tell her how to plant her flowers or where. She remained quick-witted, with one-liners up until her final days.
Melinda's infectious laugh and striking beauty are what stood out the most to others. She had an impeccable sense of style and always dressed to perfection and her radiant smile could light up a room. Beyond her appearance, Melinda possessed a wonderful sense of humor that endeared her to everyone around her. Her kindness was evident in her selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others, a trait that perfectly complemented her profession. She had a unique ability to connect with people, making each individual feel cherished and valued.
Above all else, Melinda chose to be a mother every single day, on her best days and hardest days. She was full of unconditional love and compassion and was the strongest, most determined person. She put her daughter's well-being ahead of her own. She wasn't just proud of Lauren's strengths but she was never ashamed of her weaknesses. With every one of Lauren's get-rich quick ideas, she was there to support it. If Lauren wanted a camel, a monkey and seven elephants that was all right with her. She also taught Lauren about the hard days and how to face life's many adversities with grace and dignity.
No public services will be observed. Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine is in charge of arrangements.
You would've never learned the words to "Amazing Grace"
Never felt the chill of a pew when you lost faith
Well, blood, sweat and tears wouldn't mean a thing
If you didn't strike out a couple hundred times
If you never hit rock bottom, never cursed the sky
5/14/25