Anna Gawłowska, Doyenne of Poland, turns 111
Mrs. Anna Gawłowska of Czerwionka-Leszczyny, Rybnik County, Silesia Voivodeship, Poland, is celebrating her 111th birthday today. She is the oldest resident of Poland whose age has been verified and confirmed with the appropriate documents.
Anna Gawłowska was born on June 6, 1913, in Cieszyn. She was one year old when the First World War broke out, five years old when Poland regained its independence, 23 years old when she married Rudolf Gawłowski, and 26 when the world once again descended into the turmoil of war.
In 1947, the Gawłowski family moved to Czerwionka, where Mrs. Anna’s husband began working. Mrs. Anna lived with her family first in a mansion on St. Barbara Avenue and later in the Leszczyny castle. She gave birth to a son and a daughter, witnessed the birth of one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. Her son has since passed away. Mrs. Anna lives in Czerwionka with her daughter Urszula, who lovingly and devotedly takes care of her.
Mrs. Anna captivates with her cheerfulness and kindness.
- Mom was always active, caring, and said we should accept everything life sends our way and smile at the world. Her great passion used to be solving crossword puzzles – recalls Mrs. Anna’s daughter, Urszula.
Today, the Birthday Lady was visited by the Mayor of the Municipality and City of Czerwionka-Leszczyny, Wiesław Janiszewski, Deputy Starost of Rybnik County, Marek Profaska, and Social Affairs Representative, Aleksandra Chudzik. On behalf of the residents of Czerwionka-Leszczyny and the county, the guests extended their best wishes, presented flowers, and gifts.
Wacław Jan Kroczek from the Gerontology Research Group, an international scientific organization dedicated to the study of healthy aging and longevity, also conveyed his wishes and congratulations.
Mrs. Anna is a longevity record holder in Poland, the oldest person in the country whose age has been verified and confirmed with the appropriate documents. She is the seventeenth person in the history of Poland and the second in the Silesian Voivodeship to reach the age of 111 years.
