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

They were only fourteen when the war broke out. They worked on farms, sewed uniforms for soldiers, cared for children, and later helped rebuild homes and families in post-war Poland. Today, each of them is a hundred years old — still full of good cheer, energy, and vivid memories. On the occasion of their 100th birthdays, four residents of the region — Anna Katulska, Genowefa Hejmanowska, Marianna Chabecka, and Stanisława Pawlak — have joined the distinguished group of laureates honored with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medals.

 

“May the kindness you so generously share with others return to you strengthened by the care, warmth, and attention of your loved ones. May each day bring you joy, love, and support,” said Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, in his congratulatory message.

 

Anna Katulska – Mother of Ten and Guardian of the Family Hearth

Born on October 14, 1925, in Radwańczewo (Wielkopolskie Region), Mrs. Anna has been connected to farming since her youth. Together with her husband Józef, she ran a farm in Żegotki (Mogilno County) and raised ten children. Life brought her many hardships, including the premature death of her husband, yet she always remained cheerful and strong, caring devotedly for her home and family. Today, she enjoys the company of thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Her optimism and energy are contagious — her family says her smile can brighten anyone’s day.

Mrs. Anna was visited by Elżbieta Piniewska, President of the Regional Parliamnet. The ceremony was also attended by local authorities, including Dariusz Chudziński, Mayor of Strzelno.

 

Genowefa Hejmanowska – The Cook with a Razor-Sharp Memory

Mrs. Genowefa was born on October 5, 1925, in Odolion (Aleksandrów County). During the war, as a teenager, she worked in a tailor’s shop sewing uniforms for the Wehrmacht. After the war, she married forester Józef and for many years cooked school lunches for children at Primary School No. 2 in Aleksandrów Kujawski — famous for her unbeatable pâté. To this day, she reads without glasses and has a remarkable memory and cheerful spirit. “She always had a heart of gold and a table full of food,” her relatives recall.

She was visited with birthday wishes by Aneta Jędrzejewska, Vice-Marshal of the Region, along with Arkadiusz Gralak, Mayor of Aleksandrów Kujawski.

 

Marianna Chabecka – Guardian of Faith and Tradition

Born on October 4, 1925, in Wąsewo (Radziejów County), Mrs. Marianna worked for a German family during the occupation, caring for their children. After the war, she married Leon, a soldier who returned from German captivity, and together they ran a farm. She raised eight children and was an active member of the Rural Women’s Association, organizing meetings and courses for women. Today, she enjoys a large family of seventeen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. Daily prayer and close family ties remain central to her life.

Vice-Marshal of the Region, Aneta Jędrzejewska and Mayor of Piotrków Kujawski, Jędrzej Kucharski visited Mrs. Marianna with their best wishes.

 

Stanisława Pawlak – A Centenarian with a Sense of Humor

Mrs. Stanisława was born on October 14, 1925, in Wymysłowo (Wielkopolskie Region). During the war, she worked as a maid in a palace in Nieżychowo (Wielkopolskie Region), and after the war, she married Zygmunt, with whom she raised three children. After her husband’s death, she moved to live with her daughter in Nakło nad Notecią. She is known for her great cheerfulness and sharp wit. “Mom never worries ahead of time — she’s always joking and spreading optimism,” says her daughter Danuta. Mrs. Stanisława loves reading, singing, and spending time with her family, which now includes seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

 

On her 100th birthday, she was visited by Przemysław Sznajdrowski, Vice-President of the Regional Parliament, and Sławomir Napierała, Mayor of Nakło nad Notecią.

 

Since 2018, the Regional Self-Government of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region has honored residents who reach their 100th birthdays. Families of centenarians — or those approaching that milestone — are encouraged to get in touch by phone at 56 62 18 344 or via email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

 

Beata Krzemińska

Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

October 15, 2025