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

They grew up in one of the most difficult periods of the 20th century. World War II and the time of post-war reconstruction taught them responsibility, perseverance, and hard work at an early age. These experiences shaped a generation of exceptionally strong women devoted to their families and local communities. The region’s centenarian residents—Pelagia Worowska, Natalia Ojenik, and Stanisława Pokorska—were honoured with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medals, presented by Vice-Marshal of the Voivodeship Aneta Jędrzejewska and Regional Councillor Tadeusz Pogoda, who wished them health and many smiles.

“May the kindness, diligence, and strength of spirit that accompanied you throughout your daily lives return today in the form of care, warmth, and gratitude from your loved ones. May each day bring peace, a sense of security, and human attentiveness,” wishes Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

Pelagia Worowska (née Karczewska) was born on 5 February 1926 in Warlubie (Świecie County) into a farming family. She devoted her entire life to agricultural work and running a household. After marrying Jan Worowski, she lived in Rybno and later in Lipinki (Świecie County), where the couple ran a farm. She raised four sons and has a large, multi-generational family: three grandsons—Robert, Tomek, and Łukasz—one granddaughter, Dagmara, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She is known for her exceptional manual skills, including sewing, knitting, and baking traditional cakes. To this day, she remains cheerful, open, and actively involved in family and religious life.

Natalia Ojenik (née Sztygowska), born on 28 December 1925 in Zgłowiączka (Włocławek County), experienced the loss of her parents and the hardships of wartime life at an early age. Her life was filled with farm work—first helping her parents, then her in-laws after the war, and later running her own family farm together with her husband Czesław, with whom she raised four children. She is known for her diligence, calm nature, and openness to the needs of others. She fondly remembers the beautiful flower garden she once maintained, admired by neighbours. She has eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her home has always been a welcoming place, full of warmth.

Stanisława Pokorska (née Musielska), born on 6 January 1926 in the village of Koble (Koło County, Greater Poland Voivodeship), spent her childhood and youth in Kościelec. During World War II, she worked in Germany as a childcare provider, teaching herself the German language. After returning to Poland, she and her husband Stanisław raised five children. The family settled in Kaliski (Włocławek County). Mrs Pokorska was active in the local rural women’s association (Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich). She was also renowned for her outstanding culinary skills, especially cake baking—cooking and baking were her true passions. She devoted her entire life to her family and loved ones, helping to raise successive generations. She has twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship has been honouring centenarian residents of the region since 2018. Families of residents who will soon turn 100 or have already reached this age are encouraged to get in touch by phone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

12 February 2026