Four Women, One Hundred Years of History
One devoted her entire life to serving God and others. Another, still a teenager during the Second World War, cared for her younger siblings after her mother was imprisoned by the German occupation authorities. A third survived displacement, hunger and the hardships of wartime before building a large, multi-generational family. The fourth escaped a German round-up and later spent decades working for the benefit of her local community. The lives of these four centenarians tell extraordinary stories of faith, courage, sacrifice and the strength of women. They have now been awarded the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal, presented by the Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
“Celebrating a 100th birthday is an opportunity to express our respect for the generation that helped build our shared reality through hard work, responsibility and dedication. I wish our centenarians good health, peace of mind, countless reasons to smile, and lasting pride in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki in a message of congratulations.
Sister Amalia of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Stanisława Naspińska (Sister Amalia of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) was born on 15 June 1926 in Jarosław, in today’s Podkarpackie Region. She was the eighth of nine children born to Karol and Maria Naspiński. From an early age she was closely connected with the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Stara Wieś and actively participated in parish life, belonging among others to the Militia of the Immaculate and the Perpetual Rosary Association.
She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Providence Shepherdesses in Dębowa Łąka in 1949. She took her first religious vows in 1952 and her perpetual vows six years later. For more than half a century she served in various houses of the congregation, spending the longest period—thirty years—in Gorzów Wielkopolski. She was primarily responsible for the convent kitchen and pantry and also cared for the parish church. Throughout her active years she was known for her meticulousness, kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.
Since 2022 she has lived in Jabłonowo-Zamek, where she remains under the devoted care of the sisters of her congregation. She continues to participate in community life through prayer and spiritual support. Sister Amalia received the Unitas Durat Medal from Paweł Zgórzyński, a member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Parliament.
Stanisława Gałaś
Stanisława Gałaś was born in 1926 in Wądzyn, Brodnica County. She grew up in a farming family where hard work, respect for tradition and community involvement were deeply valued. Her father served as the village head and was known for his dedication to local residents.
The war brought enormous hardship. Forced displacement, hunger, constant moves and hiding from the occupying forces left a lasting mark on her life. After the war she returned to Pomerania to begin a new chapter.
Together with her husband, Czesław, she ran a farm and raised seven children. Today she is surrounded by a large family of sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. For many years she was active in the local Women’s Rural Association and the parish rosary circle. Her family describes her as hardworking, strong-willed and deeply devoted to her loved ones. Despite life’s many difficulties, she has retained her warmth, curiosity and optimism.
She now lives in Bobrowo under the loving care of her youngest daughter, Bernadetta. On behalf of the Marshal of the Voivodeship, the Unitas Durat Medal was presented to her by Regional Assembly member Paweł Zgórzyński.
Franciszka Cieślakowska
Franciszka Cieślakowska was born on 21 June 1926 in Bągart, Chełmno County, into the large family of Jan and Apolonia Obidziński.
One of the most difficult experiences of her youth came when her mother was arrested by the German occupation authorities. Apolonia Obidzińska had secretly transported grain by horse-drawn cart in defiance of German restrictions in order to provide for her family. She was arrested and imprisoned. During the nine months of her mother’s imprisonment, young Franciszka assumed responsibility for her younger siblings and kept the family together.
After the war she settled in Wielki Wełcz, where she met her future husband, Franciszek. Together they raised three children and built a family life based on hard work and mutual support. The family later moved to Grudziądz, where she worked for many years at the Rubber Industry Works. After retiring, she devoted herself to her family and her favourite hobbies—crocheting and knitting. To this day she remains a symbol of kindness, perseverance and family warmth.
She now lives in Pokrzywno with her daughter and son-in-law. She is the grandmother of seven grandchildren and great-grandmother of twelve great-grandchildren. Regional Assembly member Robert Malinowski presented her with the medal.
Genowefa Arabska
Genowefa Arabska was born on 23 June 1926 in Iwaniska, Opatów County (today’s Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship), the second of seven children born to Józefa and Maksymilian Zdyb.
She grew up in a family that valued hard work, responsibility and mutual support. During the Second World War she endured many difficult experiences. She recalls being detained during a German round-up and being saved only because a wealthy farmer bribed the occupying authorities. Her family home also served as a refuge for people fleeing German persecution.
In 1952 she married Jan Arabski. Together they raised four children and ran a farm for many years. She played an active role in community life, serving in the local Women’s Rural Association and the parents’ committee of the village school.
Today she is the grandmother of eight grandchildren, great-grandmother of fifteen great-grandchildren and great-great-grandmother of one child. Since last year she has lived in Boluminek, Bydgoszcz County, where she is cared for by her family. The Unitas Durat Medal was presented to her by Przemysław Sznajdrowski, Deputy Chair of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Parliament.
Families of Future Centenarians Invited to Get in Touch
Families of residents of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regionwho will soon celebrate their 100th birthday—or who are already over one hundred years old—are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office by telephone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.
Facts About Centenarians in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
- The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regionhas honoured its centenarian residents since 2018.
- More than 570 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal to date.
- Among the recipients were twin sisters from the Municipality of Lubraniec, who celebrated their 100th birthdays together, inheriting their longevity from their mother.
- Veterans who fought for Poland’s freedom during the Second World War have also been honoured, including Colonel Urszula Tauer, who celebrated her 105th birthday.
- More stories can be found in the “Peers of Independent Poland” section.
Press Office of the Marshal’s Office
1 July 2026
