Three Life Stories, Many Memories
Although each of these women grew up in a different place, they faced similar challenges in life. They share extraordinary strength of character, a strong work ethic and devotion to their families. Marianna Gaweł from Gniewkowo, and Jadwiga Goerke and Adela Góralska, both residents of Solec Kujawski, belong to a generation whose youth was marked by the Second World War and whose adult lives were devoted to hard work and caring for their loved ones. The centenarians received the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal during a visit by President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska and Vice-President Przemysław Sznajdrowski.
“A 100th birthday is an extraordinary milestone and a testament to a rich life filled with hard work, care for loved ones and experiences that form part of the history of our region and our country. I wish you good health, peace of mind and many reasons to smile every day,” wrote Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his congratulatory letter.
Marianna Gaweł – Full Biography
Born on 18 October 1926 in Głojkowo, Inowrocław County, Marianna experienced the hardships of the Second World War as a teenager. The war interrupted her education and forced her into hard labour on a German farm. For most of her life, she performed manual agricultural work and later also worked at a meat-processing plant in Gniewkowo.
In 1957, she met Michał Gaweł, whom she married in 1971. Together, they raised four children. She has 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She has lived in Gniewkowo since 1969, where she is surrounded by the care and support of her granddaughter Honorata and other family members. Known for her sense of humour, she enjoys reading books in her spare time and takes an interest in politics.
Jadwiga Goerke – Full Biography
Jadwiga was born on 11 October 1926 in Rogóźno-Zamek near Grudziądz. Her youth coincided with the Second World War, during which she was forced to work on a farm. Fleeing the advancing Soviet troops, she travelled by sea to Denmark, returning to Poland after the war.
She obtained nursing qualifications and worked as a public health nurse before taking up employment at the Zręb company. She raised four children and, following her husband’s death, managed family responsibilities on her own.
She has lived in Solec Kujawski since 1960. Over the years, she has enjoyed handicrafts, sewing and gardening on her allotment.
Adela Góralska – Full Biography
Adela was born on 10 October 1926 in Białasy near Sierpc, in the Mazowieckie Region, into a farming family that owned an agricultural holding of nearly 11 hectares. Her youth was marked by the war, during which she lost her father and three brothers.
She spent most of her life working hard on the land, running a farm together with her husband Piotr. The couple raised eight children, and Adela now has 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
In the 1970s, she moved with her husband to Solec Kujawski, where she continues to enjoy the support of her family. In the past, she took great pleasure in knitting and preparing meals for her loved ones.
We encourage the families of residents of our region who will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those who have already reached this milestone, to contact us by telephone at +48 56 621 83 44 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.
Interesting facts about centenarians in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region:
- The regional government has been honouring residents who reach the age of 100 since 2018.
- More than 590 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal to date.
- Among the recipients are twin sisters from Lubraniec Municipality who both celebrated their 100th birthdays. They Inherited Their Longevity from Their Mother.
- The honourees also include people who fought for our country’s freedom. 105 Years of a Life Dedicated to Poland – Colonel Urszula Tauer’s Anniversary.
Beata Krzemińska Press Spokeswoman of the Marshal’s Office
21 October 2026
