Days full of joy, love and support! | Województwo Kujawsko-Pomorskie

“Life can’t be boring,” says Aniela Kruszczynska, a resident of Inowrocław, who is currently celebrating her 100th birthday. Her words perfectly capture the spirit of this special anniversary. She and Wiktor Konrad Wiśniewski have joined the ranks of those awarded the Unitas Durat Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal.

Aniela Kruszczynska, who was born on December 31, 1924 in Truskolasy near Częstochowa, was met by the president of the regional parliament Elżbieta Piniewska, the president of Inowrocław Arkadiusz Fajok and the head of the Inowrocław Registry Office Jacek Nijak. Although documents show January 26, 1925 – the day of her baptism – as Mrs. Aniela’s official date of birth, for those closest to her there is no doubt that her extraordinary life began in the last hours of the old year.

Even in her youth, she faced hardships. During World War II, she hid with her family in the woods for two years before being deported to Germany for forced labor. She worked in a factory near Wrocław, and later on a farm near Dresden, where she lived to see liberation in May 1945. Conditions were difficult – the work was done in three shifts, but as she recalls, it was not that grueling. After the war, she arranged her life in Poland. She married in 1947 and settled in Inowrocław, raising four children. For many years she worked in poultry plants and in trade. She lived to see seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and one of her great-granddaughters is named after her.

Despite the passing of the years, Mrs. Aniela does not lose her serenity. She is interested in literature and values contact with loved ones. She is very optimistic about life, and with her sense of humor, she infects everyone around her, proving that a smile is the best cure for any difficulty. “Ideas come to mind by themselves, as one must. Life can’t be boring – you have to meet, laugh and somehow manage.”- says the jeweler, for whom meetings with her family and memories of the past remain her greatest treasure.

Wiktor Konrad Wiśniewski, born on December 10, 1923 in Lichnów near Sępólno, has always valued outdoor activities. Despite his advanced age, he still enjoys spending time fishing and bicycle rides. The remarkable doyen was visited by spokeswoman Beata Krzeminska and the mayor of Więcbork Waldemar Kuszewski with the head of the Registry Office in Więcbork Wioleta Łańska to celebrate the impressive anniversary together.

Wiktor comes from a large family, he had seven siblings. He spent his childhood helping on the family farm. During the war he stayed at home, supporting his relatives in their daily chores. After the war, he met Stanisława, a native of Kielce, with whom they married 64 years ago. Their life was full of mutual support and love. Stanisława took care of the house and raised eight children, three sons and five daughters.

Wiktor gained a reputation as a “handyman.” He worked at the State Farms, engaged in masonry and ran his own farm. He was known for his diligence and willingness to help. Playing cards, especially “thousand”, was another of Mr. Wiktor’s passions. To this day he still sits down with pleasure to play the game. Mr. Wiktor is very hospitable and takes care of his guests, making them feel at home. He always has a sweet treat prepared, and his ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere makes every visit special.

The regional government has been honoring centenarians in the region since 2018, the Unitas Durat medal has been received by more than four hundred people to date. Families of the region’s residents who are about to turn one hundred years old, as well as those who are older, are encouraged to contact us at 56 62 18 344 and email: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska

Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

January 24, 2025.