BIOGRAPHY

Maria Bertha Noë was born in Opvelp, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, on 22 March 1911, to parents Ludovicus Noë and Angelica Anna Benoit. She was born into a farming family and spent her life working on the farm, milking cows, and delivering fresh milk to the local dairy. In 1934, she married Joannes Florentius Pierre, also a farmer, and together they managed the farm and raised their children. Even after her husband’s passing in 1997, she continued to live on the farm, supported by the care of her son Fredi and daughter-in-law Anny.

Noë attributed her longevity to hard work and her daily breakfast of two eggs and three slices of bread. Despite her advancing age, she never required hospitalization and lived independently until her final days.

Noë passed away in Opvelp, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, on 27 November 2021, at the age of 110 years, 250 days.

RECOGNITION

Noë’s age was verified by Anthony Croes-Lacroix and Ronny Motmans, and was validated by the ESO on 27 April 2021.

At the time of her death, she was the oldest living person in Flemish Brabant and the second-oldest living person in Belgium, preceded only by Marcelle Lévaz, who was just four days older.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Maria Bertha Noë (1911-2021)” – Belgische eeuwelingen

* “Bertha (110) is de oudste Belg die nog thuis woont: “Een oude boom moet ge niet meer verplanten. De dokter zegt dat ook”” – Het Nieuwsblad, 22 March 2021

* “Tweede oudste Belg, Bertha Noë, overleden op 110-jarige leeftijd” – Leuven Actueel, 28 November 2021

GALLERY