INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Ms. Kazimiera Szarafińska from Toruń – born in 1924, a master of scissors and homemade liqueur – has joined the group of people honored with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal. She survived the war, spent decades cutting the hair of Toruń’s residents in the family-owned hair salon, and today, at 101 years old, enjoys life, plays cards, and reads the local newspaper. The medal, awarded in recognition of her extraordinary life, was presented by Regional Executive Board Member Marek Wojtkowski.

“They are a treasure trove of experience, good advice, and memories. May every day be a source of joy for them, filled with love and support,” says Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

Born on January 6, 1924 in Przecław near Poznań, Ms. Kazimiera endured the dramatic times of World War II, during which she was displaced to Włodawa and forced to work on a German farm. After the war, she returned to her hometown and, during her sister’s wedding, met Henryk Szarafiński from Toruń – her future husband, life partner, and business partner.

Starting in 1947, the couple ran a well-known hair salon on Lampego Street (now Antczaka Street) in Toruń. With dedication, Ms. Kazimiera supported her husband and took care of the women’s section of the salon. Beyond her professional work, she was the pillar of the home – renovating, gardening, maintaining the tenement house, and raising their children: Zdzisław and Maryla.

Today, at 101 years old, she continues to impress with her vitality – she reads local news, plays cards (especially Skip-Bo), hands out sweets to her great-grandchildren, and in winter… she chops wood herself. She has a large family: three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

“She always used to say that the most important things in life are hard work and harmony with others. And that a little liqueur never hurt anyone,” her granddaughter Małgorzata says with a smile.

Cared for lovingly by her children and great-grandchildren, she still lives in the family’s historic townhouse, maintaining close ties with her loved ones. Her life motto is work – she believes it gives people a sense of purpose and strength. Throughout her life, she has strived to live in harmony with others, earning a reputation as a peaceful and empathetic person. Her longevity and life attitude are a source of inspiration to several generations of her family.

Since 2018, the regional self-government has honored residents aged 100 and older with the Unitas Durat medal. To date, more than 470 people have received the award. Families of regional residents who are approaching or have passed their 100th birthday are encouraged to get in touch at +48 56 62 18 344 or stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

April 24, 2025