Iwona- Mielzynska-Lohnas

Iwona Mielzynska- Lohnas of Mt. Airy, MD passed away on May 29, 2017.

She was born in 1953 in Poznan, Poland to Rita and Zdzislaw Mielzynski.

She studied and received her PhD in Medical Sciences and Patholgy from Silesian University in Katowice, Poland. She moved to the United States in 1989 to pursue a scientific fellowship at the George Washington University. Recently retired, she worked for 15 years at Digene Corporation as Director of Development. While at Digene, she was instrumental in developing a test for human papilloma virus, which helps in early detection of cervical cancer contributing to saving lives of women around the world. She loved her work and was devoted to her friends and colleaugues. After her career at Digene, she worked for Innovative Biosensors and PathSensors, Inc.

Iwona and her husband Jerry traveled extensively, enjoyed exploring the world and spending time in nature. Iwona enjoyed the world’s cusines and local customs, always preferring to stay off the beaten path. She was a great lover of books and music and was devoted to the many animals she cared for over the years, with a special love for her dog Jed. Despite her recent health challenges and multiple surgeries, Iwona cultivated her love of nature and took pride in her gardening projects.

Iwona is survived by her loving husband Jerry Lohnas, daughter Agata Anthony and son in law, James Anthony.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 from 3-5 pm. at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707, where a memorial service will begin at 5 pm.

Online condolences can be made at www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com