As I wrote before, Poland didn't exist at the time -- it was occupied by Russians trying hard to wipe or nationality for good, also by attenuating Polish science and culture. Thus many Poles have fled for freedom of not being oppressed for being Polish. About owning anything; she left Poland being 24, so she get all the basics and conducted here first research in Poland thanks to underground structures -- if born in France, she might end up as a housewife. Anyway, the only thing that matters is that she always thought of herself as a Pole and done much to prove it.