They Carry the Wisdom of Generations | Województwo Kujawsko-Pomorskie

In recent days, two women celebrated their birthdays—Mrs. Wanda Kotwicka turned 100, and Mrs. Leokadia Janiszewska reached 104. Both jubilarians have joined the esteemed group honored with the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

“They are a treasury of experience, good advice, and memories. May each day be a source of joy for them, filled with love and support,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

Wanda Kotwicka was born on April 1, 1925, in the village of Sukowy (Inowrocław County). She grew up in a large family of Szczepan and Wiktoria Łopaciński, with eight siblings. Her childhood was spent helping her parents on their farm.

At the age of fourteen, she was deported to Germany for forced labor, where she took care of children. After the war, she returned to her family home and later moved to Jasienica (Śląskie Region), where she met her husband, Zygmunt. Together, they raised two children. She worked at the grain mills in Sukowy and later at the Popiel club in Kruszwica. She had a warm approach to young people and was well-liked. Over time, her family grew, with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Wanda was widowed early, as her husband passed away at the age of 48.

She was always caring and supportive. “She raised us with great devotion. She was a master in cooking—duck blood soup and meatballs were her specialties,” says her daughter Zofia.

Currently, Wanda lives in Kruszwica with her daughter. She loves talking with her grandchildren and has a sense of humor that endears her to her loved ones.

On her 100th birthday, she was visited by the President of the Regional Parliament, Elżbieta Piniewska, and Regional Executive Board Member, Dariusz Kurzawa.

Leokadia Janiszewska (née Kieszczyńska) was born on April 2 in Sosnowiec, to Władysława and Józef. She grew up among siblings, surrounded by her older brothers: Zygmunt, Roman, Józef, and Lucjan. She spent her childhood in Łódź.

Leokadia’s youth coincided with the difficult wartime years. She was forced to work for five years in a candy factory in Łódź. After the war, she dedicated herself to teaching. She completed a teacher training course and began working with preschool children. She organized the first six-class preschool, where she served as both a teacher and director.

In 1947, she married Zbigniew Janiszewski. Their love resulted in the birth of two daughters, Ewa and Sylwia. In 1955, the family moved to Sopot, where Leokadia continued her passion for education. In the 1960s, she completed a three-year teacher training program. Throughout her career, she passionately cared for children aged 3–6, educating at least four generations of Sopot residents. She was a member of the Polish Teachers’ Union and received multiple awards for her work.

In 2021, after many years in Sopot, she moved to Zwierzyniec (Tuchola County) to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Surrounded by the care of her loved ones, the warmth of a family home, and the company of a purring cat, she enjoys life. She has always loved books, poetry, and singing, and her cheerful nature and empathy inspire many. Her secret to longevity? Laughter, love for what you do, and moderation in eating and drinking. She says, “A hundred years passed before I even started worrying about calories.” On her birthday, she was visited by regional councilor Jarosław Katulski.

Since 2018, the regional self-government has been honoring centenarians in the region, with over 450 people having received the Unitas Durat medal. Families of residents who will soon turn 100, or those even older, are encouraged to contact us at +48 56 62 18 344 or via email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Press Office of the Marshal’s Office
April 3, 2025