Denise Waelbers, the oldest living person in Belgium, dies at 110
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is sadden to reported that Mrs. Denise Waelbers, the oldest living person in Belgium, sadly passed away in Mortsel, Antwerp on 16 April 2026 at the final age of 110 years and 202 days.
Denise Waelbers was born in the hamlet of Kerkhoven, in the town of Lommel, Limburg Province, Belgium, on 26 September 1915, where she was raised. Eventually, she settled in Mortsel, where she met her future husband, Frank.
On 28 May 2024, following the death of 109-year-old Fernande Courtoy of Hainaut, she became the oldest living person in Belgium.
On her 109th birthday in 2024, she received a bouquet of flowers from Mayor Erik Broeckx, who also shares the same birthday.
In December 2024, she met 107-year-old Jozef Kets (22 April 1917 – 14 February 2025) of Antwerp, the Belgium’s oldest living man.
On 2 September 2025, following the death of 112-year-old Yvonne Arend (born 28 February 1913) of France, she became the oldest living Belgian-born person in the world.
On 26 September 2025, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian. At the age of 110, she still lives independently in her apartment, though she receives some assistance from her neighbors.
Denise Waelbers died in Mortsel, Antwerp, Belgium, on 16 April 2026, at the age of 110 years, 202 days. Following her death, then 109-year-old Jeanne Vandenplas (born 27 June 1916) of Flemish Brabant became the oldest living person in Belgium.
May Mrs. Waelbers rest in eternal peace~
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Oudste inwoner van het land Denise Waelbers (110) overleden: “Iedereen in Mortsel kende haar”