Catherina van der Linden
- Full name: Catharina Adriana (Catherina) van der Linden (née van Meegen)
- Lifespan: (26.08.1912 – 26.01.2024)
- Age: 111 years, 153 days
- Birthplace: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Last residence: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Application date: 26.08.2023
- Validation date: 04.10.2023
- Validation source: Gert Jan Kuiper/Oliver Trim/Waclaw Jan Kroczek
Biography
Catherina van der Linden, born on 26 August 1912 in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands, has woven a life story that spans continents, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to health and well-being.
Growing up in Nijmegen, Gelderland, Catherina embarked on a new chapter on 23 August 1940, when, three days before her 28th birthday, she married Johannes (John) Wouterus van der Linden. The union brought forth four children, marking the beginning of a family-centered journey.
In 1955, Catherina and her husband embarked on an adventurous journey, emigrating to Australia aboard the ‘Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt.’ However, the shock of accommodations in both Victoria and South Australia prompted a return to the Netherlands in 1958, fueled by homesickness and a vow never to return to Australia. Despite the initial reluctance, they eventually resettled in Adelaide 18 months later. The resilience and adaptability displayed during this period would become emblematic of Catherina’s spirit.
Her working life included stints as a grape picker, nursing assistant, typist and clerical assistant, and she had an interest in fashion and dressmaking passed down from her mother, a seamstress, and her dad, a tailor.
Tragedy struck in 1980 when her husband passed away at the age of 70, marking a significant chapter in Catherina’s life.
Catherina van der Linden became the oldest known living person in Australia, following the death of 111-year-old Gwendoline Moore on 31 March 2023.
Catherina van der Linden died in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia on 26 January 2024 at the age of 111 years, 153 days. She was the oldest living Dutch-born person and the oldest living person in Australia at the time of her death.
Longevity recognition
- Doyenne of Australia (31.03.2023 – 26.01.2024)
Validation
Her age was meticulously examined and verified by Messrs. Gert Jan Kuiper GRG-Netherlands Correspondent, Oliver Trim, and Wacław Jan Kroczek, and validated by the GRG on 4 October 2023.
Catherina van der Linden on her 110th birthday.
Catherina van der Linden (aged 26) in August 1938.
Catherina van der Linden just before her 109th birthday in 2021.
Catherina van der Linden (aged 110) in March 2023.
Catherina van der Linden celebrating her 111th birthday in August 2023.
Catherina van der Linden (aged 110; almost 111) walking with help in August 2023.
Catherina van der Linden with three of her children ahead of her 111th birthday. Picture supplied by Southern Cross Care
Photo courtesy of Canberra Times, ABC News Australia, and Gerontology Wiki.
