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

Two extraordinary women, two centuries of experience and memories – Irena Wincek from Bydgoszcz and Zofia Jędrzejewska from Grochowalsk (Lipno County) have joined the ranks of centenarians honored with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal. Each of them has lived her life with passion and dedication—one in the world of finance, the other in the rhythm of farm work.

On the occasion of her remarkable 100th birthday, Irena Wincek, a resident of Bydgoszcz, was visited by the Vice-President of the Regional Parliament, Przemysław Sznajdrowski. Mrs. Irena, née Kwiatek, was born on January 21, 1925, in Zakopane, where she spent her childhood and youth. Although life led her to different places, she always returned to her hometown whenever possible. She is the youngest of four children of Melania and Michał.

During the German occupation, as a teenager, Irena attended a business and trade high school in Zakopane. At the age of 15, she was deported for forced labor in Germany, where she worked in a factory producing aircraft parts. She returned to Poland after the war ended in 1945. Three years later, she and her family moved to Bydgoszcz, where she not only found a new home but also the love of her life – Edmund Wincek. On March 26, 1949, they were married. During the war, Edmund first fought in England and later in Italy. Upon returning to Poland, he worked at a plywood factory in Bydgoszcz. Together, they built their future in the city on the Brda River.

Mrs. Irena dedicated her entire professional career, from 1949 until retirement, to the Central Foreign Clearing Bureau in Bydgoszcz. She raised three children—two sons and a daughter—and has five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. After retiring, she devoted herself to her passions—solving crossword puzzles, crocheting, and reading books. She helped raise her grandchildren and enjoyed traveling across Poland with them. Her grandson Kamil fondly remembers train trips with his grandmother, vacations together, and her legendary scrambled eggs, the taste of which no one can replicate. Mrs. Irena always takes care of her appearance—whenever she leaves the house, she never forgoes a well-styled hairdo. She is regularly visited by a hairdresser.

Zofia Jędrzejewska, born on May 9, 1924, in Grochowalsk (Lipno County), celebrated her birthday with Aneta Jędrzejewska  Vice-Marshal of the Region. From an early age, she grew up in a warm family atmosphere and a tradition of farm work, fulfilling daily household and agricultural duties. Raised with perseverance and respect for the land, she dedicated her entire life to hard yet fulfilling work, serving as a model of dedication and diligence.

After the outbreak of the war, her family was displaced to Leszno. Upon returning to their family farm, she met her future husband, Józef, with whom she continued the agricultural tradition. After his premature passing, she single-handedly raised their three children. Despite the great loss, she did not give up—with extraordinary determination, she managed the farm, balancing household duties with farming, livestock breeding, and handicrafts. She loved knitting, creating sweaters and socks.

She has a large family, including eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She is not only an excellent homemaker but also a caring mother and grandmother. Despite difficult circumstances, she always found time for her loved ones and neighbors. She actively participated in local community life, being a valued member of the local Women’s Rural Circle.

Since 2018, the regional self-government has been honoring centenarians in the region. To date, over four hundred people have received the Unitas Durat medal. Families of residents who will soon be turning one hundred years old, as well as those who have already reached this milestone, are encouraged to contact us at the phone number +48 56 62 18 344 or email: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

January 29, 2025