Isn’t it remarkable how one life can weave through so many pivotal moments in history? Today we’re remembering Zofia Bartoszewska. She was born Zofia Makuch in Warsaw on May 27 1927. Zofia Bartoszewska passed away here in Warsaw on October 19 2017.
Zofia Bartoszewska’s early life was marked by the turmoil of war. Her family lived on Krakowskie Przedmieście. The Nazi occupation forced them to move. They relocated to Chałubińskiego Street.
During the occupation, Zofia joined the Szare Szeregi. This was the underground Polish Scouting organization. She served as a medic in the Warsaw Uprising. She risked her life tending to the wounded. She was in the Waligóra platoon. She worked at the Karola and Maria Hospital on Leszno Street. Later she moved to the Wolski Hospital. Tragedy struck when her father was likely executed during a roundup. Zofia and her sister miraculously survived the Wola massacre.
After the uprising collapsed, Zofia sought refuge in Krakow with her mother and sister. Following liberation, they returned to Warsaw. They lived in Praga, but her mother soon passed away.
Zofia Bartoszewska pursued higher education. She studied Polish philology at the University of Warsaw. She married Janusz Bachurzewski and had a son named Piotr. This marriage ended. For many years, she worked at the Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy.
In 1967, Zofia married Władysław Bartoszewski. He was a historian, publicist, politician, and diplomat. Zofia supported striking workers. She signed an appeal in 1980 urging dialogue between the communist authorities and the workers. During martial law, she was fired from her position. She then collaborated with the Prymasowski Committee. This committee helped those imprisoned and their families. She co-edited many of her husband’s publications.
In 2006, Zofia Bartoszewska received the Silver Medal Gloria Artis for her contributions to culture.
Władysław Bartoszewski donated his private collection to the Ossoliński National Institute in 2003. This included books, magazines, posters and photos. These items related to Poland’s modern history. A special room was created to house these gifts. It was called the Władysław and Zofia Bartoszewski Cabinet.
Zofia Bartoszewska’s life was one of resilience, service, and dedication to her country. She is buried in the Alley of the Meritorious. It is located at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.