A Century Marked by Hard Work and Courage
Each of them has lived through an entire century. They remember the Second World War, the years of rebuilding the country, and the changing social and economic realities. Throughout their lives, both have remained connected with the countryside of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. Their passions are different – Mrs Teresa Gierkowska has always loved music and singing, while Mr Witold Przybyszewski closely follows events in Poland, around the world, and sports news. On the occasion of their 100th birthdays, both received the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis. Last weekend, the jubilaries were visited by Marshal Piotr Całbecki, Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska, and Łubianka Commune Head Dagna Całbecka.
Mrs Teresa Gierkowska was born in the village of Zbijewek near Chodecz (Włocławek County) to Marta and Józef Janikowski. She grew up in a very large family. She had eleven brothers and sisters, as well as two half-siblings. Her father worked in peat extraction, and from an early age all the children helped with the hard labour of digging this raw material. During the Second World War, she was forced to work on the farm of a German family, where she learned sewing and handicrafts – skills she used throughout her life.
After marrying Zygmunt Gierkowski, she moved to Prosno near Chodecz, where they ran a farm together. They had three children – Bożena, Bogusław, and Andrzej. After her husband’s death, she continued running the farm, working together with her youngest son. After reaching retirement age, she moved to her daughter’s home in Chodecz, where she still lives today under her daughter’s loving care. For many years she sang in a parish choir, and music remains one of her greatest passions. She especially appreciates the work of Irena Santor and knows many of her songs by heart. She has nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr Witold Przybyszewski was born in Wymysłowo in Toruń County and has remained connected with his hometown throughout his life. He had three siblings – a sister Stefania, who died in childhood from diphtheria, a sister Łucja (92), who currently lives in Chełmża, and a brother Czesław, who passed away several years ago. During the Second World War, he was expelled from his family farm, and in 1944 he was forcibly drafted into the German army. After liberation, he served in the Polish Armed Forces under the command of General Stanisław Maczek, and after returning to Poland he took over the family farm.
Together with his wife Gabriela, he raised three children (daughter Krystyna and sons Jan and Zbigniew), and he has five grandchildren. He still lives in his family home, receiving loving care from his relatives. He follows current affairs with interest. In his free time, he enjoys watching ski jumping and football matches on television.
During a ceremonial Holy Mass, Mr Przybyszewski received the Unitas Durat Medal and a Life Bracelet as part of the regional Kujawsko-Pomorskie Telecare programme. This modern mobile device monitors basic vital functions and, when necessary, enables the user to quickly call for help.
Next-generation Life Bracelets for the region’s centenarians
Families of residents of the region who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as older residents who may need support, are encouraged to contact us by phone at 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.
Interesting facts about centenarians in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region:
- The regional self-government has been honouring centenarians living in the region since 2018.
- The Unitas Durat Medal has so far been awarded to more than 570 people.
- Among those honoured were twin sisters from the Lubraniec Commune, who celebrated their 100th birthdays together. Their longevity was inherited from their mother.
- Some honourees fought for Poland’s freedom: 105 years of life for Poland. The jubilee of Colonel Urszula Tauer.
Press Office of the Marshal’s Office
24 July 2026
