Life Took Them Down Different Paths. Today, They Are Both 100 Years Old

Although their lives followed very different paths, both women belong to a generation that experienced war and the difficult beginnings of post-war Poland. Anna Graf, a resident of Lipno, combined professional work with caring for her family, while Elżbieta Ustarbowska of Grudziądz devoted her entire adult life to her religious congregation and helping others. On the occasion of their 100th birthdays, both women received the Marshal of the Region Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal. Deputy Marshal of the Voivodeship Aneta Jędrzejewska and Regional Councillor Robert Malinowski paid them birthday visits.

“A hundred years of life is a very special moment to pause for a while and look back with gratitude on the years that have passed. I wish you many more peaceful days filled with reasons to smile, and may the closeness of those dearest to you give you strength and bring you joy,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki said in his congratulatory message.

Families of residents of the region who will soon turn 100, as well as those who are already older, are encouraged to contact us by phone at 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl

Elżbieta Ustarbowska (Sister Salomea) was born on 18 September 1926 in Darzlubie near Puck (Pomeranian Region), into the large family of Jan and Tekla Ustarbowski. She was the youngest of twelve children. Her father ran a farm, while her mother took care of the household. After completing primary school, she trained as a seamstress. Her youth, however, coincided with the difficult years of the Second World War, during which she was deported for forced labour.

After the war, she returned to her family home, and in 1952 she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of St Elizabeth in Grudziądz. She took her first religious vows in 1954 and, five years later, made her perpetual vows in Wrocław. Over the following decades, she served in many convents, making use of her sewing skills as well as working as a sacristan and superior. She was particularly closely associated with Toruń, where she sewed religious habits, did embroidery and also served as a driver. In 1997, she returned to Grudziądz, where she still lives today as a retired nun, remaining close to her community. Her passion is handicrafts, including crocheting and making flowers, Christmas cards and nativity scenes.

Anna Graf was born on 28 September 1926 in the village of Hajduki near Baranovichi, in present-day Belarus, into the large family of Stanisława and Edward Hryniewski. Her childhood and youth fell during the difficult years of the war, when she experienced round-ups, escapes and tragic events. She was once being taken to be executed, but managed to escape. In 1947, she came to Poland with her family, leaving behind their home region and farm. Their new place of residence was Ostrzeszów (Wielkipolskie Region).

In 1949, she married Władysław Graf, with whom she started a family and raised two daughters, Grażyna and Aleksandra. After the birth of her children, she began working as a telephone operator and later worked in accounting at a crafts cooperative. For many years, she combined her professional responsibilities with running the household and caring for her family, before retiring on a disability pension after 19 years of work due to health problems. Together with her husband and children, she enjoyed travelling, visiting the Polish seaside and mountains, as well as Bulgaria. She has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whom she has always been happy to help and devote her time to. For the past two years, she has lived in Lipno in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, close to her daughters and immediate family. Mrs Anna is a warm, gentle and kind-hearted person who enjoys reminiscing about years gone by and cherishes every moment spent with her loved ones.

Interesting facts about centenarians from Kujawsko-Pomorskie: