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

They grew up in the shadow of the turbulent events of the 20th century. The war took away their carefree youth, testing their resilience, courage, and faith in humanity. Despite painful experiences, they managed to rebuild their everyday lives. Centenarian residents of the region, Wanda Gordon and Stefania Piekarska, have been awarded the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medals. Regional councillor Anna Niewiadomska met with Ms. Wanda Gordon.

Wanda Gordon was born on 18 February 1926 in Poznań. In 1932 she moved with her family to Bydgoszcz, where her father began working at the tax office. The tragic events of World War II marked her youth—her father was murdered by the occupying forces in the Fordon “Valley of Death” in 1939, and the entire family experienced displacement and imprisonment in the Potulice camp.

After returning to Bydgoszcz, she was assigned to forced labor, and toward the end of the war she was also compelled to carry out heavy work on fortifications. After liberation, she devoted her professional life to public administration, working at the Second Tax Office in Bydgoszcz until her retirement in 1982.

In 1949, she married Edmund Gordon. Together they raised two sons, Marek and Tomasz. After her husband’s death, she took on the responsibility of maintaining family ties and the household. She has one granddaughter, two grandsons, and two great-grandchildren. She spends her time reading, solving crosswords, and going for walks. To this day, she remains active, cheerful, and full of inner strength.

Stefania Piekarska (née Trzcińska), born on 15 February 1926 in Babiec Wrzosy in the Mazovia region, was connected with her family farm from an early age. Her childhood was brutally interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. The occupation period brought dramatic experiences—hunger, fear, and separation from her family. Despite her young age, she was involved in helping others, participated in underground activities, and supported those in need. She also experienced forced labor, which left a lasting mark on her life.

After the war, she married Bogdan Piekarski. Throughout her life, she was guided by care for others, and her kindness and patience created a sense of security for those around her. She is known for her remarkable optimism—even in difficult times, she could see the beauty of everyday life. Her warmth and goodwill have left a lasting impression on her family and caregivers.

Since 2018, the regional self-government of Kujawsko-Pomorskie has honored centenarian residents, recognizing their contribution to building the local community and the living testimony of history they pass on to future generations. Families of residents who are about to turn one hundred or have already reached that age are encouraged to contact the office by phone at +48 56 62 18 344 or via email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

27 February 2026