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

Two warm-hearted and loving residents of Bydgoszcz — Prakseda Karasek and Wiesława Łucja Sochacka, both celebrating their 100th birthdays — have joined the distinguished group of recipients of the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal. On Tuesday (30 July), the centenarians were visited by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

Born on 28 July 1925, Prakseda Karasek spent her childhood in the difficult interwar period. Just three days after her birth, her father Władysław Sojucik passed away. She and her three brothers were raised by their mother Marta, who also managed the family farm.

During World War II, Prakseda worked as a postal carrier and was subjected to forced labor digging trenches. Despite the hardships, she remembers her hometown of Mrocza (Nakło County) and her youthful years among friends with fondness. After the war, her family relocated to Bydgoszcz, where she met Edmund, a railway worker who became her husband in 1949. Together, they raised six children.

Professionally, she worked at the Dziewiasz knitting factory, and after her children were born, she continued with home-based work. Today, she is lovingly surrounded by her three devoted daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, with whom she maintains warm contact. A devout believer, she participates spiritually in Mass every day and recites the rosary. She also regularly follows local news and her favorite television programs.

Wiesława Łucja Sochacka (née Neumann) was born on 29 July 1925 into a baker’s family. Today, she is the last surviving sibling of five and a living witness to her family’s history. During World War II, she was forced to work on a German farm. After the war, she returned to her studies and began a career in teaching.

Together with her husband Mieczysław, she taught in schools in Kisielice and later Laseczno, in the Rypin County. While raising their son Janusz, they also managed a small farm to supplement their income during the difficult post-war years.

In 1961, when their daughter Danuta was born, Wiesława left her professional career to dedicate herself fully to caring for her child. Over the following years, life led the family from Laseczno to Rogóźno (Grudziądz County), and later to Chełmno, where Mieczysław became the director of a Special Educational Center. After retirement, they moved to Bydgoszcz to be closer to their son. Since her husband’s passing in 2014, Wiesława has remained under his care, surrounded by the love she had given so generously to others throughout her life. Even at her advanced age, she remains active, attending rehabilitation classes, and speaks with humor and emotion about her days in scouting and the values that have guided her through life.

Since 2018, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region has honored centenarian residents of the region. We encourage families of residents approaching or exceeding their 100th birthday to contact us at 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Marshal’s Office Press Office

30 July 2025