Yesterday was the 116th birthday of the oldest Polish woman in history Mrs Tekla Juniewicz. On 19 April 2022, she became the second oldest person in the world. The first place belongs to the French supercentenarian Lucile Randon who is 118 years old.
Mrs Telka Juniewicz was born on 10 June 1906 in the village of Krupsko in Austro-Hungary. She was 12 years old when Poland regained its independence. Until the outbreak of the Second World War, she led a quiet life at the side of her husband. After the war, the town became part of the USSR, and she and her family moved to Gliwice. Together with her grandson, she still lives there today. Mrs Tekla had two daughters, five grandchildren (the eldest is 70 years old), four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
“Almost 8 billion people in the world, and it is impossible to find someone like Mrs Tekla Juniewicz. By the way, Ms Tekla is the 2nd oldest person in the world. Still full of joy and energy. Next week, she will celebrate her 116th birthday. Another 100 years, Ms. Tekla!”, wrote Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Official greetings were also extended by the Presidential Couple:
On your 116 birthday, we wish you good health, strength and peace of mind. May you always be accompanied by the kindness of your loved ones and human gratitude. As the oldest living Polish woman and one of the oldest people in the world, you are a witness to history and a wonderful example of how beautiful and rich human life can be. Your cordiality and optimism can be a model to follow. Thank you for continuing to share your experience and kindness. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you many more healthy and prosperous years with your loved ones.