Ludwika Skarbek

Countess Ludwika Skarbek (1766–1827) née Fenger was the mistress of Modzerewo, the owner of Żelazowa Wola, and the mother of Chopin’s godfather Fryderyk, as well as Anastazy Teodor, Michał (the future owner of Żelazowa Wola) and Anna Emilia. Countess Skarbek was a kindly patroness to Mikołaj and Justyna Chopin as well as their employer. Mikołaj likely obtained his position at the Warsaw Lyceum in 1810 through her mediation. The Chopin children, especially Fryderyk and Ludwika, used to enjoy spending their free time with her in later years.