The life and times of Marysia, a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother
"Our mother, Marysia, was born in Poznań 100 years ago. She had a beloved brother, Stefan, seven years older than her. After three years, the whole family moved to Warsaw. Life in a military family (her father Józef was a major in the Polish Army) was idyllic and very comfortable until World War II. The German Ocupation changed it all. During the Warsaw Uprising our mother volunteered as a nurse in a hospital in one of the cities’ districts - Żoliborz.
After the fall of the Uprising, she was deported with her mother and brother to Germany. Mum and Stefan were sent to different concentration camps. Stefan did not survive. He was 27 years old. Mum missed him all her life. After liberation, her father Józef found and brought the family to Scotland, to Edinburgh. Here, my mother married Czesław, whom she knew from pre-war times in Warsaw. In Edinburgh she worked as a dental nurse - she liked it very much. After the wedding, they moved to London so that our father could complete his engineering studies, which he had started in Poland. And so, they settled here. Two sons, Janusz and Jurek, were born. There was an opportunity to go to Canada and later to America, but somehow these plans did not materialize.
Mum and Dad took an active part in parish life in Brockley. They had a large group of friends with whom they met very often. In 1978, fate smiled upon them. They went to Hong Kong and lived there for many years. A comfortable life and exotic travels around Asia made the stay even more exciting. They returned to London in 1984 and our father’s retirement changed their lives yet again. They had five grandchildren: Justyna, Romek, Hania, Stefan and Emilia, and then four great-grandchildren: Max, Robin, Felicity and Imogen.
For the last six years mama had lived in her family home in Canonbie Road, looked after by Marta, her devoted carer. Unfortunately, her health and strength began to deteriorate and in November last year, she moved to the Polish Nursing Home - Antokol. She likes being here, there is a lot going on and she takes an active part in the various activities arranged by the Home.
Living to be a hundred is truly a great gift from God – our father Czesław passed away just six months before such an anniversary. So let us now raise a toast to the long and interesting life of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Marysia, thanking God that she has been with us for so long.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
On behalf of our entire family, and especially our elderly mother, Marysia, we would like to express to all the employees of Antokol our heartfelt thanks for such a wonderfully organized celebration of her Centenary. It was cordial, elegant, but at the same time very spontaneous and cheerful. You took care of everything to make this birthday perfect, down to the smallest detail. And perfect it was! The reception, both in the dining room and then in the garden gazebo, brought us all a lot of joy. We realize how much work you put into making this day so very special. It will remain in our grateful memories forever. It's hard to imagine more devoted people - thank all of you! You surrounded our mother with exceptional kindness and warmth. Truly, Antokol is an extraordinary place. Thank you! We wish that many more happy Centenarians will be able to celebrate such milestone birthdays in this beautiful home."
Janusz and Jurek Kwaśniewski and their families
