INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Marianna Majewska from Szubin, Joanna Rybacka from Kąpie in the municipality of Łabiszyn, and Stefan Piotrowski from Turznica (Grudziądz County) celebrated their 100th birthdays by joining the group of people honoured with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal awarded by the Marshal of the Province. Although each of them has their own unique story, they are united by their cheerfulness, diligence and wisdom expressed in simple principles: ‘don’t worry – live day by day’, ‘always be yourself and look good’, ‘love life, the earth and your daily work’.

Marianna Majewska was born on 13 June 1925 in Józefina. Hard-working and known for her elegance, she sewed with passion and cared for her grandchildren with tenderness. During the war, she was forced to work for German farmers, and after the war, she became socially involved – she was a lay judge and an active member of the Municipal Cooperative in Szubin. Her veranda was a meeting place, and playing bridge was a daily ritual. Today, she lives with her daughter. Her constant attributes are her smile and her hat. Ms Marianna was visited by the chairwoman of the regional council, Elżbieta Piniewska. More about the birthday girl can be found in the Peers of Independence tab.

Joanna Rybacka – born on 1 July 1925 in Junczewo (Żnin County). She starts every day with coffee and milk. She survived the war working for a German farmer, then for decades she ran a household, raised poultry and supported her forester husband. She has twenty-two great-grandchildren, and her flat has turned into a green sanctuary. She still believes that ‘tomorrow will be better’, and her preserves and black soup could be the subject of a separate cookbook. Among those celebrating Joanna’s 100th birthday were Dariusz Kurzawa, a member of the regional board, and representatives of local authorities. See more about Joanna Rybacka.

Stefan Piotrowski was born on 3 July 1925 in Skarszewy (Grudziądz County). From the age of 14, he was forced to work for the Germans, but, as he himself says, his ‘Aryan appearance’ and diligence saved him. After the war, he returned to agriculture, which was his calling. Privately, he was a horse lover and the proud husband of Zofia, with whom he lived for nearly 70 years. He ran his farm until almost old age. He was a councillor and was awarded, among others, the Gold Cross of Merit. Today, despite his age, he is still full of energy and cheerfulness. Provincial councillor Robert Malinowski and representatives of local authorities visited Mr Stefan with congratulations and the Unitas Durat medal. More about Mr Stefan’s experiences and history can be found in the Peers of Independence tab.

The regional government has been honouring centenarians in the region since 2018. We encourage families of residents of the region who will soon be turning 100, as well as older residents, to contact us by phone at 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

7 July 2025