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

They worked, raised families, and later – for decades – built homes, communities, and local ties. Today, each of them is celebrating their 100^th birthday. On this occasion, four residents of the region – Marianna Kraczyńska from Piotrków Kujawski (Radziejów County), Cecylia Niewiem and Irena Piaszczyk from Bydgoszcz, and Agnieszka Steinborn from Orzełek (Sępólno County) – were honoured with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal.

 

“May the kindness you share with others return to you strengthened by the care, warmth and attention of your loved ones. May each day bring joy, love and support,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki conveyed in his congratulatory message.

 

Marianna Kraczyńska – the warmth of home and unmatched baking

Ms Marianna was born on 1 December 1925 in Higieniewo (Radziejów County). During the war she was deported for forced labour to Lednogóra (Wielkopolska Region). After returning, she lived with her family, ran the household and supported her loved ones. Together with her husband Józef, an employee of a sugar factory and dairy powder plant, they formed a loving and devoted marriage.

Always full of energy and kindness – her famous sponge cakes, ammonia cookies and homemade pastries are remembered by the whole family. She was also known for her beautiful handicrafts. Today she remains cheerful, sociable and strongly connected to her family. She was visited by Deputy Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska and representatives of the local authorities.

 

Cecylia Niewiem – the heart of the home and of the local community

She was born on 21 November 1925 in Bydgoszcz. During the war she worked on a farm in Wierchucin (Bydgoszcz County), and after returning to the city she started a family with Jan, a railway worker and war veteran.

She raised five children and worked in manufacturing plants and at a school. She was active in trade unions and senior organisations, and loved trips and social gatherings. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with a big heart – open, talkative and always smiling. She still enjoys reading books and cooking her favourite soups. She was visited with birthday wishes and the medal by Deputy Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

 

Irena Piaszczyk – Home Army soldier, guardian of memory

Born on 22 November 1925 in the former Eastern Borderlands, she grew up in a family of military settlers. The occupation brought her dramatic experiences: the loss of her home, her mother’s death, escape into the forest and the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings.

From 1942 to 1944 she served in the Home Army, and was later deported with her family to the Lublin region. After the war she lived near Kołobrzeg and later in Bydgoszcz, where she worked at Telkom-Telfa.

She is the mother of six children and grandmother and great-grandmother to a large family. She has been honoured with numerous veterans’ decorations. She was visited by Deputy Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

 

Agnieszka Steinborn – energy, memory and youth of spirit

Born on 30 November 1925 in Orzełek (Sępólno County), she grew up in a large family and helped on the farm from an early age. At fourteen, she worked near Chojnice digging trenches and doing agricultural work; she still remembers wartime fears, air raids and concern for her loved ones.

After the war she worked in Kraków, and later, together with her husband Jan, ran a farm. She raised two children and now enjoys her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She impresses with her excellent memory, energy and sense of humour – she plays dominoes, recites poems, meets with family and repeats that “youth of spirit has no age.” She was visited by Press Spokesperson Beata Krzemińska.

 

The regional self-government of Kujawsko-Pomorskie has been honouring the region’s centenarians since 2018, offering them congratulations and distinctions. Families of people who will soon turn one hundred or are older are invited to contact us: 56 62 18 344, stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

 

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

4 December 2025