Days Full of Smiles! | Województwo Kujawsko-Pomorskie

Wartime experiences, post-war reconstruction, and many years of social engagement combined with extraordinary life energy – these qualities unite three remarkable senior women from the region, honored with the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis. Among them are Urszula Podlasek of Bydgoszcz, who traditionally celebrated her 100th birthday during the New Year’s Eve Concert at the Pomeranian Philharmonic, as well as Regina Irena Kowalczyk from Nowa Wieś in Włocławek County and Eugenia Bronisława Lewandowska from Dębniaki (Włocławek County). The jubilarians were visited by Vice-Marshals of the Region Zbigniew Ostrowski and Aneta Jędrzejewska.

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

Urszula Podlasek – One Hundred Years of History Written in Bydgoszcz

Mrs. Urszula was born on December 31, 1925, in Ostromecko near Bydgoszcz. She spent nearly her entire life in Bydgoszcz – growing up, studying, and working there. Her youth was brutally interrupted by World War II. The occupation meant separation from her father, constant danger, roundups, and forced labor – from 1940 she and her sister sewed uniforms for the German army at the Haneman factory.

After the war, she not only continued her education but also built her professional career in the garment industry and later in the administration of the Multi-Trade Cooperative, where she worked until retirement. She raised two daughters, devoting her free time to family and culture. Today, despite being 100 years old, she remains active – she goes for walks, listens to audiobooks, visits health resorts, and regularly attends concerts. For years, her birthday tradition has been the New Year’s Eve Concert at the Pomeranian Philharmonic. The Unitas Durat medal was presented to her by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

Regina Irena Kowalczyk – Energy, Passions, and Dedication to Others

Regina Irena Kowalczyk also celebrated her 100th birthday. She was born on December 10, 1925, in Nowa Wieś in Włocławek County. Throughout her life she has been exceptionally active – a community activist, councilor, and member of the Rural Housewives’ Circle. She is known for her love of embroidery and crocheting, her fondness for films and TV series, and even… boxing. To this day she knows church hymns by heart and impresses with her long-term memory.

During the war, as a young girl, she worked for German families, helping to care for children. After the war, she and her husband ran a farm, and later she devoted herself with great dedication to raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. The Unitas Durat medal was presented to her by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska.

Eugenia Bronisława Lewandowska – Strength, Family, and Curiosity About the World

Eugenia Bronisława Lewandowska was born on December 24, 1925, in Vilnius. She spent her childhood and youth in Kowal, where during the occupation she was assigned to work for a German family. After the war, she and her husband ran a farm in Dębniaki – hard, manual work she still recalls with nostalgia.

She is the mother of five children, grandmother to eight grandchildren, and great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren. Active and sociable throughout her life, involved in the Rural Housewives’ Circle, she still reads books, solves crosswords, and passionately discusses world affairs. The Unitas Durat medal was presented to her by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska.

Since 2018, the regional self-government has honored residents of the region who reach the age of 100. Families of those who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday or are already older are invited to get in touch: +48 56 62 18 344, stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

January 5, 2025