On February 11, Joanna Senyszyn announced the passing of her husband, Bolesław Senyszyn, marking the end of nearly 50 years of partnership. The emotional news came as Joanna shared her heartfelt tribute on social media, reflecting on their deep connection.
“He was very real, noble, wise. I was lucky to spend nearly 50 years with him. Goodbye, Bolek! The world without you has become worse,” Joanna expressed poignantly on Facebook. Her message struck a chord, conveying not only her loss but also the vibrant life they had built together.
Bolesław Senyszyn was not just known as Joanna’s husband; he was also respected as an attorney and previously served as a judge. Their connection was characterized by mutual empathy and shared viewpoints, with Joanna noting, “Artificial intelligence, when asked who is Bolesław Senyszyn, answered ‘A fictional character invented by Joanna Senyszyn.’ It was very wrong. I wouldn’t be able to invent Bolek.” This tribute underscored the genuine impact he had on those around him.
Joanna and Bolesław met in the 1970s, and by the following year, they were married. Their relationship, described as ‘maritime marriage,’ was marked by extended periods of separation due to Joanna’s political career, with Bolesław supporting her pursuits from home. “When asked who rules the house, my wife replied, at the beginning of our relationship we established, I decide on important things, and she decides on less important ones. Important things did not exist,” Bolesław humorously remarked during one of his interviews with Rzeczpospolita.
The couple consciously chose not to have children, allowing Joanna to fully pursue her academic and political aspirations—a decision she later reflected upon with satisfaction: “I chose to live without children, and I am very happy about it; I have never regretted it.” This shared commitment to their careers and partnership was emblematic of their lives together.
Joanna has been open about the struggles and joys of their unconventional family life, stating, “I was going to Warsaw, and my husband, like Penelope, was waiting for me in Gdynia. You can get used to absence just like to presence.” This perspective paints their relationship as one filled with love and resilience.
Now, as Joanna steps forward to campaign for the presidency, she carries with her not just the burden of loss but also the strength of the support Bolesław provided throughout their life together. She announced her candidacy earlier this year, emphasizing her desire for Poland to have “a president who will not be anyone’s party pen,” reflecting on her commitment to independence and integrity.
Despite this painful moment, Joanna Senyszyn remains determined to honor Bolesław’s legacy by continuing to champion the values they shared. Her message to the public, filled with hope, suggests she aims to unite the nation. “Choose together for a brighter future,” she concluded her candidacy announcement, encouraging supporters to join her vision.
This transition period embodies both incredible sorrow and the possibility for new beginnings, with Joanna Senyszyn poised to face the future head-on, fighting for her beliefs and values, reminiscent of the partnership and support she and Bolesław shared.