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

Ms Cecylia Lemke – born in 1925 in the heart of the Tuchola Forest, a witness to the dramatic events of the 20th century, and a master of embroidery and home baking – was honoured with the Marshal’s medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis. The jubilee ceremony was attended by Marek Wojtkowski, a member of the regional board, who presented the award.

‘May the kindness you bestow on 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 Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his commemorative speech.

Cecylia was born on 15 June 1925 in Minikowo, a charming village nestled among the forests of Bory Tucholskie. The youngest of twelve siblings in the Tomaszewski family, she experienced the hardships of World War II and, as a teenager, was taken to a German farm in Pruszcz Bagienica for forced labour. After the war, she returned to her family home, only to move to Bydgoszcz a few years later.

It was there that she met Leon Lemke, the love of her life. They married in 1950, and their home became an oasis of warmth, family atmosphere and cherished traditions. They raised five children and had ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Cecylia became famous not only as a devoted mother and grandmother, but also as a talented cook and master of handicrafts. Her baked goods – apple pie, cheesecake and nut cake – are still legendary among her family and friends. Equally impressive are her embroidery and handmade tablecloths, napkins and cushions, which adorn many homes. Elegance, cheerfulness and cordiality are her hallmarks.

“She was and is an exceptional, golden, wonderful woman. We never argued. Always ready to help, always full of class,” says Mrs Cecylia’s daughter-in-law, Barbara.

Active in parish life, devoted to her family and faithful to her passions – including travel and relaxation in Kamień Krajeński, which she had a special fondness for. Throughout her life, she drew strength from her faith, the presence of her loved ones and the work of her own hands. Cecylia currently lives in the ‘Barwna Jesień Życia’ retirement home in Toruń, where she is surrounded by attentive, professional care and a warm atmosphere.

The regional government has been honouring centenarians in the region since 2018. We encourage families of residents of the region who will soon be turning 100, as well as older people, to contact us by phone at 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska

spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

23 June 2025