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

They worked in farms, ran households, raised children and grandchildren, and took active part in the life of their local communities and parishes. Their youth fell during the war, while the following decades were filled with hard work, care for loved ones, and the building of family traditions. In recognition of their lives and contributions, they received the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

Among the awardees is Władysława Wiatrowska, born on 26 May 1926 in Gołańcz (Wągrowiec County) into a farming family. She spent her childhood in the countryside, while her youth was marked by the difficult experiences of World War II, during which—still a teenager—she was forced to work for a German farmer. After the war, together with her husband Marcin, she ran a farm and raised five daughters, building a home based on work, mutual support, and family values. For years she was active in a local rural women’s association, passionately baked bread and cakes, and enjoyed travelling, also abroad. She visited England several times and even after turning ninety she continued to fly. She has seventeen grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. Her relatives describe her as kind, patient, and always ready to help. Today she lives in Rozpętek (Nakło County), surrounded by the care of her family and still deeply interested in the world around her. She was met by regional councillor Wojciech Szczęsny.

On 3 June, Helena Zawada celebrated her 100th birthday. She was born in Stablewice (Chełmno County) and spent her childhood and youth near Wąbrzeźno. During the occupation she was sent to forced labour on a German farm, working in tomato cultivation. As she recalled, she was assigned this task because she did not like tomatoes, so the Germans did not fear she would eat them. The war period remained in her memory as a time of hard work and uncertainty. After the war, she devoted herself to family life, supporting her husband, a professional soldier, and raising children. She created a warm, safe home filled with care and family atmosphere. Her great passion was her garden, and she also enjoyed reading and sewing. She has lived in Bydgoszcz for nearly 50 years, where she is cared for by her closest family. The medal was presented to her by regional councillor Anna Niewiadomska.

Among the honoured was also Irena Wesołek, born on 1 June 1926 in Szczeblotowo (Radziejów County). From an early age she was connected with her local community. During the war she worked on a nearby estate, which spared her forced deportation to labour in Germany. She trained as a seamstress and for many years served the residents of Broniewo near Radziejów with her skills. Together with her husband Leon, she shared 54 years of marriage. She was active in parish life, sang in the church choir, organised religious celebrations, and was known for her excellent baking. She is deeply religious and a member of the Living Rosary prayer group. Kind-hearted and full of life, she enjoys great respect and affection from her neighbours. She was visited by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska.

Stanisława Lewandowska was born on 30 May in Czyżewo (Rypin County) and grew up in a farming family. Wartime experiences quickly taught her independence and resilience. During the occupation she worked on a German farm. After the war, together with her husband Edward, she built a family home in Starorypin, raising six children. Throughout her life she devoted herself to her family. In summer she worked in the garden, and in winter she knitted sweaters and socks for her children. Today she is the grandmother of seven grandchildren and great-grandmother of three great-grandchildren. Her relatives value her for kindness, calmness, and warmth. Her signature dishes include broth and traditional black soup (czernina). She received the medal at her home in Starorypin from regional councillor Paweł Zgórzyński.

The regional government has been honouring residents who reach 100 years of age since 2018. So far, more than 500 people have received the Unitas Durat medal. Families of residents who are approaching their 100th birthday—or are already older—are encouraged to contact the office at +48 56 62 18 344 or via email at: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson, Marshal’s Office of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region

8 June 2026