The Extraordinary Stories of Our Centenarians | Województwo Kujawsko-Pomorskie

Behind their life stories lie wartime experiences, years of hard work and deep devotion to family. Henryk Szczodrowski, who spent many years working in professional and scientific fields, and Marianna Lange-Stodolska, who recently celebrated her 106th birthday, are witnesses to history. Their lives show that even after the most difficult experiences, it is possible to retain kindness, a positive outlook and gratitude for each day. To mark their 100th and 106th birthdays, the honourees received the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal. They were visited on their birthdays by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski and Member of the Regional Executive Board Marek Wojtkowski.

“Reaching the age of one hundred is a special moment to pause and look back on the years lived with gratitude. I wish you peaceful days ahead, many reasons to smile, and the closeness of your loved ones to give you strength and bring you joy,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his special birthday wishes.

Families of residents of the region who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those who are already older, are encouraged to get in touch by calling 56 62 18 344 or emailing stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Marianna Lange-Stodolska was born on 9 October 1920 in Rzeżewo, in Włocławek County. She grew up in a farming family, helping her parents run the farm. She met her future husband, Czesław, when she was just ten years old. They married in 1941 and raised four sons together. In 1954, the family moved to Włocławek, where Mrs Lange-Stodolska took care of the home and children. Before retiring, she worked at the Włocławek Faience Factory. She has eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. For many years, her hobbies included crocheting, knitting and sewing. Today, while living in a care home in Lubraniec, she continues to impress those around her with her positive outlook, sense of humour and gratitude for life.

Read Marianna Lange-Stodolska’s biography.

Henryk Szczodrowski was born on 10 October 1926. He has lived in Bydgoszcz since 1946. His carefree youth was interrupted by the Second World War and the forced displacement of his family. After the war, he continued his education with determination, obtained his secondary school-leaving certificate and went on to study agriculture in Poznań, graduating with an engineering degree. Over the years, he worked in education, laboratories and research institutes specialising in agriculture and animal nutrition. In 1980, he married Genowefa, and together they had a daughter and a son. He also has five grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, gardening and charitable work. “Mr Henryk Szczodrowski is a calm, empathetic and kind-hearted person,” says Mieczysława, a family friend.

Read Henryk Szczodrowski’s biography.

Did you know? Meet some of the centenarians of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region: