The Centenary Celebration of Mrs Jadwiga Hartka
Socially active throughout her life, hardworking, and deeply committed to her local community, Mrs Jadwiga Hartka of Pokrzydowo (Brodnica County) is celebrating her 100th birthday. To mark this exceptional occasion, she was awarded the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal of the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.
“A 100th birthday is an extraordinary milestone and a wonderful testament to a life marked by hard work, perseverance and devotion to family. On this special occasion, I wish you good health, continued joy in life and many happy moments spent with your loved ones,” wrote Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his congratulatory letter.
Mrs Hartka was born on 17 July 1926 in Kurzętnik (Warmińsko-Mazurskie Region) to Anastazja and Jan Różyński. Her childhood was not an easy one. She lost her mother at the age of four, and after her father remarried, she and her younger brother, Mieczysław, were raised by their stepmother.
She began her education in primary school and completed it in Jabłonowo Pomorskie (Brodnica County). Her youth coincided with the years of the Second World War. During the German occupation, she worked as a postal worker at the local post office. After the war, she decided to learn a profession and began training as a seamstress in Pokrzydowo. The skills she acquired became one of her greatest passions and remained with her throughout her life.
It was in Pokrzydowo that she met Jan Hartka, whom she married on 15 February 1949 in Jabłonowo Pomorskie. The young couple initially lived in Bydgoszcz, where their son Zdzisław was born. Tragically, he passed away at just one month of age. In the 1950s, they returned to Pokrzydowo, where they settled permanently. Mr Hartka worked as a baker, while Mrs Hartka assisted him in running the family bakery. Together they raised two daughters, Renata and Wiesława.
For many years, the centenarian actively participated in the life of her village. She was involved in the local Rural Housewives’ Association and the Pokrzydowianki Club, taking part in initiatives that brought residents together and helped preserve local traditions. She was always eager to participate in community meetings and events, and those who know her appreciate her optimism, warmth and openness.
Today, Mrs Hartka continues to live in Pokrzydowo under the loving care of her granddaughter Joanna and her family. She also regularly attends activities at the Day Care Centre in Ciche, where she enjoys spending time with fellow senior citizens.
Her family emphasises that throughout her life she has been distinguished by her diligence, resourcefulness, kindness and calm nature. Despite the passing of the years, she has retained her cheerful outlook and curiosity about the world around her. Mrs Hartka is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who remain her greatest joy and most treasured blessing.
The Unitas Durat Medal was presented to Mrs Hartka by Regional Councillor Paweł Zgórzyński during a celebration held with participants of the Day Care Centre in Ciche. The anniversary celebrations began with a Holy Mass celebrated by the local parish priest. Representatives of local authorities, together with the jubilarian’s family and friends, also attended the event.
Families of residents of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region who are about to celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those of even older residents, are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office by telephone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.
Facts about Centenarians in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region
- The regional self-government has honoured centenarians in the region since 2018.
- More than 575 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal to date.
- Among the recipients were twin sisters from the Municipality of Lubraniec, who celebrated their 100th birthdays together, having inherited their longevity from their mother.
- Recipients have also included veterans who fought for Poland’s freedom, such as Colonel Urszula Tauer, honoured on her 105th birthday.
Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson
Marshal’s Office of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region
24 July 2026
