A Lifetime Devoted to Family

Both were born in July 1926, both lived through the dramatic events of the Second World War, and both placed their families first throughout their lives. Their paths, however, were different: Zofia Rezulak lived far from the place of her birth, while Jadwiga Kaczmarek remained closely connected with the Kujawy region throughout her life. Last week, both women celebrated their 100th birthdays.

“May the kindness you show to others return to you, strengthened by the care, warmth and attention of your loved ones. May every day bring you joy, love and support,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki wrote in his congratulatory message.

Zofia Rezulak was born on 31 July 1926 in Beremiany, in an area that is now part of Ukraine. She grew up as the only child of Maria and Michał Wiśniewski, who were farmers. She spent her childhood in her home village, where she began attending primary school. Her education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, and she was never able to continue her studies.

In 1942, she was deported to Germany for forced labour. She worked for a German family and, as she recalls, was treated kindly. After the war, she returned to Poland and began a new chapter in her life. In 1956, she married Stefan Rezulak, with whom she created a home and raised three children: Ewa, Piotr and Danuta.

Although her health prevented her from working professionally for an extended period, she took on temporary jobs and devoted herself to caring for her family. Today, her greatest joy comes from her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as the daily care and support of her daughter Ewa, with whom she lives in Włoszanowo in Żnin County.

Jadwiga Kaczmarek was born on 27 July 1926 in Papowo, Inowrocław County. She grew up in a farming family, where from an early age she learned diligence, responsibility and respect for traditional values. Her childhood coincided with the difficult period of the Second World War, which interrupted her education and changed the life of her entire family.

From January 1940, she was assigned to work on an estate in Papowo owned by a German landowner. After the war, she returned to her family home. In 1949, she married Marcin Kaczmarek and moved to Ostrowo, Inowrocław County, on Lake Gopło.

For 34 years, she and her husband ran a farm while raising their three daughters: Maria, Elżbieta and Teresa. After retiring, she handed the farm over to her daughter Maria and son-in-law Jan Wawrzyniak, happy that the family traditions would continue.

The centenarian’s greatest source of pride is her large family: five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Throughout her life, she has been known for her remarkable resourcefulness, diligence and culinary talent. The meals and cakes she prepared always brought the family together around the table.

Today, she is surrounded by the loving care of her daughter Maria. The Unitas Durat Medal was presented to the centenarian by Elżbieta Piniewska, Chairwoman of the Regional Assembly.

Families of residents of the region who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those who are already over 100, are encouraged to contact us by telephone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Facts About Centenarians in Kujawsko-Pomorskie

• The regional government has honoured residents celebrating their 100th birthdays since 2018.
• To date, more than 570 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal.
• The recipients have included twin sisters from the Lubraniec municipality who both lived to celebrate their 100th birthdays. They inherited their longevity from their mother.
• Among the centenarians honoured are also people who fought for the freedom of Poland, including Colonel Urszula Tauer, who celebrated 105 years of life devoted to Poland.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

31 July 2026