Wilhelmina Hoorn
- Full name: Wilhelmina Johanna Hubertina Hoorn (née Ronck)
- Lifespan: (06.11.1903 – 30.11.2013)
- Age: 110 years, 24 days
- Birthplace: Tegelen, Limburg, Netherlands
- Last residence: Altamonte Springs, Volusia County Florida, USA
- Application date: 11.11.2013
- Validation date: 28.04.2016
- Validation source: Sipke de Boer/Stefan Jamin/et al.
Biography
Wilhelmina Hoorn, originally Wilhelmina Ronck, entered this world on November 6, 1903, in Tegelen, a city district within the municipality of Venlo in Limburg, Netherlands. At the age of 18, on June 7, 1922, she exchanged vows with Hendrik Cornelis Hoorn in Rotterdam. The throes of the Great Depression in the 1930s prompted her to emigrate to the United States, specifically Long Island, New York. Despite finding the economic conditions more challenging there, she navigated through the hardships, undeterred.
Wilhelmina’s life took on new dimensions as she married and welcomed three daughters into her family. Following the untimely death of her husband at the age of 46, leaving her with just eight dollars, Wilhelmina demonstrated remarkable resilience. Not only did she manage to secure a comfortable living, but she also maintained a home of which she was immensely proud. In addition to her household responsibilities, Wilhelmina dedicated her time to volunteering at Florida Hospital Altamonte, where she engaged in knitting baby hats, booties, and blankets. Described by her daughters as an exceptionally independent woman, Wilhelmina became a symbol of strength and resourcefulness.
In November 2013, she celebrated her 110th birthday, marking the extraordinary achievement of becoming a supercentenarian. However, her remarkable journey came to a close on November 30, 2013, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA, at the age of 110 years and 24 days. Notably, Wilhelmina Hoorn holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever born in the province of Limburg. It is worth mentioning that while Petronella Ribbens-Verstallen surpassed Hoorn’s age, reaching 110 years and 170 days, Ribbens-Verstallen was born in the province of North Brabant.
Longevity Recognition
Wilhelmina Hoorn is the third-oldest Dutch emigrant in history, behind Nellie van der Meulen and Sietje Cornelia Hof.
Validation
The age of Wilhelmina Hoorn was meticulously examined and verified by Sipke de Boer of the Netherlands, Stefan Jamin (GRG Correspondent for Germany). The initial application was received on November 11, 2013. The validation was conducted by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on April 28, 2016.
Wilhelmina Hoorn as a young mother with her three daughters.
Wilhelmina Hoorn dancing on her 107th birthday.
Wilhelmina Hoorn with her daughters.
Wilhelmina Hoorn at age 107.
Wilhelmina Hoorn as a young woman.
Wilhelmina Hoorn as a middle-aged woman.
Wilhelmina Hoorn interviewed at age 107.
Wilhelmina Hoorn dancing at age 107.
Wilhelmina Hoorn celebrating her 107th birthday.
Photo courtesy of www.growingbolder.com and Gerontology Wiki.
