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

Life did not spare them hardship, but it also brought them immense joy, smiles, and good health that today allow them to celebrate their 100th birthdays. Helena Sawościan, Stefania Konieczny, and Jan Zalewski were honored with the Marshal of the Region Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

Helena Sawościan, visited by Regional Councilor Katarzyna Stranz-Kaja, was born in the former Eastern Borderlands, in the settlement of Długopol (then part of Białystok Region). She spent her childhood in a landowning family, but the war completely changed the fate of her loved ones – the family estate was confiscated, and she experienced both Soviet and German occupation. During the war, she was forced to work as a domestic servant for the family of an SS officer, and the dramatic events of those years have remained in her memory forever. In 1957, she moved to Poland with her family, leaving all their possessions behind and starting a new life in Bydgoszcz. Together with her husband, she worked at the “Zachem” Chemical Works, where through hard work they built a stable home for their family. Mrs. Helena raised three children and today enjoys ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Throughout her life she has been passionate about books, theatre, and nature, especially forests and flowers. Despite difficult experiences, she has maintained a cheerful spirit and physical activity – she still rides an exercise bicycle.

Jan Zalewski was born in Niemcz near Bydgoszcz and from an early age was connected with farm work and helping his family manage their household. During the Second World War, he worked for a German farmer, and after the war he completed military service near Wrocław. For many years, he worked as a railway dispatcher in Maksymilianowo, earning a reputation as a conscientious and responsible man. Together with his wife Janina, he raised three children and now enjoys a large family of six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Jan still impresses others with his excellent memory and passion for history, especially events connected with Józef Piłsudski, and he still enjoys reciting poetry. His life is an example of diligence, resourcefulness, and devotion to family.

Stefania Konieczny was born in Kamienica (Tuchola County) and spent her entire life connected with the countryside of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. She grew up in a very large family, and after her mother’s death, as a teenager she had to help her father care for her siblings. The war interrupted her education and forced her into hard work for a German farmer. After the war, together with her husband Wacław, she ran a farm in Sośno (Sępólno County), building a life based on hard work and family values. She raised five children, and today her grandchildren and great-grandchildren bring her great joy. Mrs. Stefania was for many years actively involved in the local rural housewives’ association and was known for her artistic and culinary talents – in her youth she made paper flowers, sewed, knitted, and sang in a choir. Her loved ones still fondly remember her exceptional homemade cakes and traditional dishes. She is known for her cheerful nature, patience, and kindness, which she has shared with her family and community for many years.

The regional self-government has been honoring centenarians of the region since 2018. More than five hundred people have received the Unitas Durat Medal so far. Families of regional residents who will soon celebrate their 100th birthdays, as well as those already over one hundred years old, are encouraged to contact the office by phone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by email at: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

12 May 2026