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

They were only teenagers when the war broke out. Back then, they worked, studied, and fought to survive — and later, to build a better future for their families. Today, each of them is one hundred years old. On the occasion of their birthdays, five residents of our region — Eleonora Kruszyńska, Zdzisław Rakowski, Irena Kopocińska, Janina Radziejewska, and Krystyna Skolimowska-Światłowska — were honored with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medals.

 

Eleonora Kruszyńska – The Embodiment of home warmth

Eleonora Kruszyńska was born on October 26, 1925, in Bydgoszcz and has spent her entire life in her hometown. During the war, her father was sent away for forced labor, while she, together with her mother and siblings, struggled to survive under the occupation.

After the war, she met her husband Edmund. Together they created a home filled with kindness, helpfulness, and the scent of freshly baked cakes. She raised five children and now enjoys the love of four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her pastries — especially her layer cakes and yeast cakes — are still fondly remembered throughout the neighborhood.

Mrs. Eleonora Kruszyńska was visited on her birthday by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski, bringing greetings and the marshal’s medal.

 

Zdzisław Rakowski – Doctor, Social Activist, and Fishing Enthusiast

Zdzisław Rakowski, born on October 30, 1925, in Łódź, devoted nearly his entire professional life to healthcare. As a young man, he was forced into labor during the occupation, and after the war, he graduated from medical school in his hometown.

He served as a doctor in air force and air defense units in Bydgoszcz, for many years heading military medical services. In 1983, he was promoted to the rank of colonel. After retirement, he remained active — giving lectures, organizing health campaigns, and working in the Polish Angling Association, where he was awarded the Gold Badge “For Merit to PZW.”

Decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Cross of Merit, he now enjoys a peaceful life surrounded by the care and kindness of family and friends.

His jubilee celebration was attended by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

 

Irena Kopocińska – Hardworking, Faithful, and Devoted to Family

Born on October 19, 1925, in Siedliska (Małopolskie Region), Irena Kopocińska grew up in difficult wartime years. In her youth, she was deported for forced labor in Germany. After the war, she and her family settled in Zalesie (Nakło County), where she and her husband Michał built a home full of work, love, and hospitality.

Known for her resourcefulness and thrift, she ran a farm, tended animals and a garden, and was famous for her delicious yeast cakes — considered the best in the area. She was active in the local rural women’s association and parish life. She has a daughter, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Irena Kopocińska was visited on her birthday by Dariusz Kurzawa, Member of the Regional Executive Board.

 

Janina Radziejewska – Until Recently, Still Tending Her Garden

Janina Radziejewska was born on October 25, 1925, in the village of Kotki near Busko-Zdrój. At the age of fifteen, she was sent for forced labor in Germany. After the war, she walked all the way back from near Hanover, searching for her family.

She raised her children, was active in the rural women’s association and the retirees’ union. She has twenty-four grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter. Her cheerful spirit continues to inspire admiration and emotion. Until the age of 90, she still worked in her garden; for over a decade, she has lived in Paterek (Nakło County).

She was visited on her birthday by Dariusz Kurzawa, Member of the Regional Executive Board.

 

Krystyna Skolimowska-Światłowska – Knowledge, Passion, and Love of Life

Krystyna Skolimowska-Światłowska, born on October 19, 1925, in Żyrardów (Mazowieckie Region), combined courage with a love of learning from a young age. During the occupation, she attended underground classes and graduated from high school in 1943. After the war, she completed her studies at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).

With her husband Leopold, she moved several times before finally settling in Bydgoszcz. She worked at the University of Technology and Life Sciences (formerly ATR), where she earned the respect of both students and colleagues. She and her husband shared nearly sixty years together, united by their passion for bridge, books, and sports.

To this day, she enthusiastically solves crossword puzzles and plays bridge, surrounded by the affection of her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 

Since 2018, the regional self-government has been honoring residents of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region who reach the age of 100. Families of centenarians — and those soon to celebrate this milestone — are encouraged to contact us at phone: 56 62 18 344 or email: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

 

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

October 31, 2025