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

“I still enjoy life. I wish to remain as fit as I am now,” says Mrs. Jadwiga Ruszkiewicz, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Mrs. Halina Raczyńska also marked the jubilee of a century of life. Both ladies, residents of Toruń, have joined the group of centenarians honored with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal. The celebrants were visited by Regional Executive Board Member Marek Wojtkowski.

Halina Raczyńska was born on September 18, 1925, in Prątnica near Lubawa (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship). During the occupation, she was forced to work on German farms. “She was brave, sometimes even reckless – she helped prisoners of war and openly opposed humiliating orders,” recalls her daughter Danuta. After the war, she settled in Ostróda, where she started a family. For more than 25 years she has lived in Toruń, close to her children and grandchildren. She is passionate about singing, sewing, and embroidery, and to this day retains her sense of humor and sharp wit. She raised two children and is the proud grandmother of six and great-grandmother of nine.

Jadwiga Ruszkiewicz was born on September 5, 1925, in Brzezienko near Grębocin and grew up in Toruń. During the war she faced the threat of deportation for forced labor in Germany but ultimately worked on a German farm near her hometown. After the war, for three decades, she worked at the Toruń Medical Dressings Plant (today TZMO). To this day she impresses with her independence – she runs her household and enjoys cooking. As she emphasizes, her greatest wish is to enjoy life for as long as possible.

Since 2018, the regional government has been honoring centenarian residents of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. Families of residents who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those already older, are encouraged to get in touch at +48 56 62 18 344 or by email: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

September 23, 2025