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

Mrs Bernadetta Kempiak from Bydgoszcz and Mrs Bożena Wąs from Inowrocław celebrated their 100th birthdays. Both ladies are united not only by their similar age, but also by their cheerful disposition, independence, excellent memory and love of literature. Ms Bernadetta was visited by the Vice-Marshal of the Region, Zbigniew Ostrowski, while Ms Bożena met with the Chairwoman of the Regional Parliament, Elżbieta Piniewska. Both jubilarians joined the group of people honoured with the Marshal’s medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

 

‘May the kindness you show to others be returned with the care, warmth and attention of your loved ones. May every day bring you joy, love and support,’ said Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his congratulatory message.

 

She loves family sagas

 

Bernadetta Kempiak (née Walkowiak) was born on 23 August 1925 in Bydgoszcz. During World War II, her family was displaced. After the war, she returned to her hometown and then settled in Nowa Sól, where she ran a kiosk with her husband and was involved in community life – she served as a lay judge.

 

After her husband’s death in 1987, she returned to Bydgoszcz, where she still lives a peaceful life in retirement. She loves reading family sagas, solving crossword puzzles and reminiscing about the old days. She enjoys contact with her family. Her loved ones emphasise her sense of humour and extraordinary resourcefulness.

 

Today, as her family emphasises, despite her advanced age, she continues to impress with her independence and sense of humour. Grandmother – she can turn anything on its head – says her grandson – and indeed, she found a solution in every situation.

 

A ‘“gendarme” with a big heart

 

Bożena Wąs (née Bochowiak) was born on 8 August 1925 in Inowrocław. She worked hard in her youth – during the occupation, she ended up on a German farm. After the war, she settled in Mogilno, and then in Inowrocław, where she raised two children. She worked in a Christmas tree decoration factory, painting baubles, and later took care of the household.

 

Today, her loved ones emphasise not only her excellent memory and sharp mind, but also her characteristic determination. “Mum has always been demanding and strict, which is why we jokingly call her a gendarme. But behind this strictness lies a huge heart and concern for each of us,” says her daughter Janina.

 

Bożena still enjoys reading, mostly history and travel books, and her passion is films and nature programmes.

 

The regional self-government has been honouring centenarians in the region since 2018. We encourage families of residents of the region who are about to turn 100, as well as older people, to contact us by phone at 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

 

Beata Krzemińska

Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

 

27 August 2025