A South Australian woman believed to be formerly the oldest living person in Australia has died “peacefully” in her aged care home.
Catherina van der Linden was 111 years old when she died on Australia Day at the Southern Cross Care West Beach Residential Care home, according to a funeral notice.
Born in the Netherlands on August 26, 1912, the great-grandmother migrated to Australia in 1955 to raise her family.
“Beloved wife of John (deceased). Cherished mother of Mariella and Bob, Jerome and Robyn, Garrath and Thawanrat (Nop), Margherita and Carl,” the funeral notice read.
“Adored Oma to 10 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. Greatly missed. Proudly celebrated.”
Ms van der Linden — who was also believed to be the oldest living Dutch person in the world – had always credited her longevity to exercise and staying active every day.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas shared his condolences with the van der Linden family.
“I met Mrs van der Linden last year on her 111st birthday, who was Australia’s longest living person,” Mr Malinauskas said on X, formally Twitter.
“It was one of the greatest moments to be able to meet Mrs van der Linden and to hear her story – migrating to Australia from the Netherlands and raising her beautiful family.
“When I asked about her secret for a long and happy life, she told me two things: regular gym sessions and regular walks.”
It’s understood Ms van der Linden’s body would be donated to the University of Adelaide’s Body Donation Program upon her request.
(Yahoo.com)
