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

For many years, as a village leader and councillor, she was the heart of her local community – always the first to help, always present where someone needed her. Today, Genowefa Strzelecka, a woman who, despite wartime experiences and life’s hardships, never stopped helping others, celebrates her 100th birthday. On the occasion of this milestone, she was visited by Vice-Marshal of the Region Aneta Jędrzejewska together with representatives of local authorities. The distinguished celebrant has now joined the group of people honoured with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal.

“May the kindness you bestow upon others return strengthened by the care, warmth and attention of your loved ones. May each day bring joy, love and support,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki conveyed in his special birthday wishes.

Genowefa Strzelecka, née Skibińska, born on 7 December 1925 in Uchodza (Lubień Kujawski commune), has always been known for her diligence, courage and exceptional kindness. Raised by her mother and grandparents, she helped on the family farm from an early age. As a young woman, she married Feliks Jędrzejewski, but fate quickly put her to the test. During the occupation, she and her family were displaced to the outskirts of Warsaw, where she faced the daily realities of war, the care of two small children, and the tragic loss of her husband, who was executed by the occupiers.

After the war, she returned to her home region, where in 1947 she began a new chapter of her life with Bogumił Strzelecki. Together they raised five children. She worked hard for many years, taking on various seasonal jobs and later running her own farm.

A remarkable part of her biography is her community involvement. For seventeen years she served as village leader and was also a county councillor. To this day, residents remember her as a person always ready to help – cheerful and active.

Her family was her greatest priority. She lived to see twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. Her loved ones remember her as a warm, devoted and caring person – someone who would do anything for her family. The heart of the home was also her mother, whom Genowefa cared for over many years.

In her free time, she loved solving crosswords and playing cards – she and her husband could spend long evenings enjoying their favourite games. As her youngest daughter Dorota emphasises: “Mama made sure we all had something of our own. Whatever she could do, she did. We are immensely grateful to her for that.”

Since 2018, the regional government has been honouring the region’s centenarians by sending them wishes, congratulations and distinctions. Families of residents who will soon turn one hundred or are already older are invited to contact: 56 62 18 344, stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska

Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

8 December 2025