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

Hardworking, modest, devoted to their families, and deeply connected to the Kujawy countryside – Helena Kardaś and Krystyna Sobczak, residents of the region, are celebrating their 100th birthdays. The jubilarians were honoured with the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

Krystyna Sobczak from Powałkowice in Włocławek County recently celebrated her centenary. She was born on 10 May 1926 in Jaranówek (Włocławek County) as the eldest of eight siblings. Her childhood and youth were marked by hard work on the family farm. When the Second World War broke out, she was only thirteen years old and helped her mother care for her younger siblings and run the household.

After the war, together with her husband Henryk, she managed a farm and raised their children. Her family fondly remembers her signature dishes – homemade bread and cakes – while her grandchildren especially loved her yeast cake. Over the years, she was also active in the local rural women’s association. To this day, the senior remains cheerful, kind-hearted, and full of warmth. She lives in Powałkowice under the loving care of her daughter-in-law Teresa, surrounded by family, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. On behalf of the Marshal, the medal was presented to her by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska.

Helena Kardaś was born on 12 May 1926 in Malankowo (Chełmno County) and remains closely connected to her hometown to this day. She grew up in a large family alongside eight siblings. From an early age, she helped her parents run the family farm. Her father was also a shoemaker, while her mother worked as a seamstress. The war interrupted her education, but it never took away the optimism and diligence for which she became known throughout her life. For many years, Mrs Helena managed the household, worked on the farm, and cared for her parents. She also actively participated in the life of the local community. Faith always held an important place in her life, and she passed it on to subsequent generations of her family. According to her loved ones, she is calm, kind, and always ready to help. Today, she is cared for by her granddaughter Monika and her family. She has seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Katarzyna Lubańska, Vice-President of the Regional Parliament, met with the jubilarian and presented her with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Medal.

The stories of both centenarians testify to strength, perseverance, and attachment to family traditions. They are also stories about a generation of women who spent their lives building everyday life around hard work, care for loved ones, and respect for others.

The regional self-government has been honouring centenarians since 2018. More than five hundred people have received the Unitas Durat Medal so far. Families of residents who are approaching their 100th birthdays – as well as those already over one hundred years old – are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office by phone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

19 May 2026