One of the most famous presenters in the history of Polish Television, Wander died at the age of 80 after a long illness.
Due to Alzheimer’s disease, which progressively impaired her memory and daily functioning, she spent her final years in a specialized care facility.
She was a symbol of television and one of the most iconic figures easily recognizable by most Poles in an era when only two channels were available.
A farewell to Bogumiła Wander: The iconic TVP presenter who captivated a nation
This is how most viewers of Polish Television remember Bogumiła Wander from years ago (TVP archival materials).
From the 1970s, Wander appeared on TVP1 and TVP2, regularly hosting many concerts and music festivals. She retired from television in 2003. Her professional work includes two documentary films about Conrad Drzewiecki and Andrzej Strumille.
To millions of viewers in Poland, she will forever be associated with the old television days when programs were announced by emcees.
Her presence was a comforting companion during holidays, especially for those who were alone, providing a sense of connection in an increasingly alienated society.
Until her death, Bogumiła Wander was supported by her son Marek Żołędziewski and her second husband Krzysztof Baranowski, the first Pole to sail solo around the world on the yacht “Polonez.” Baranowski successfully circumnavigated the globe several times.
In 2023, Poland learned that 85-year-old traveller planned a third solo circumnavigation and had a chance to become the oldest solo sailor, but he ultimately did not complete the voyage, according to Sport Facts wp.pl.
Alzheimer's disease gradually eroded Bogumiła Wander's memory
Bogumiła Wander before Alzheimer's disease completely removed her from daily activities (private archive)
Caring for Alzheimer’s patient Bogumiła Wander was a significant challenge for Captain Baranowski and, in recent years, forced the sailor to sell their home in Konstancin.
„No nurse could meet her needs, and it wasn’t a matter of finances. We had been living in a two-story house, so there was a real risk that my wife could fall down the stairs unnoticed, leading to a true tragedy. Time passed, and her health deteriorated,” Captain Baranowski explained in an interview with "Wprost".
Source: PAP/Onet/Wprost/Polskie Radio 24/Radio Poland
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