Supercentenarian Profile

Denise Waelbers

Born:

1915-09-26

Lommel, Limburg

Belgium

Current Residence:

Mortsel, Antwerp

Belgium

Denise Waelbers is a Belgian supercentenarian who is currently the nation’s oldest living resident.

BIOGRAPHY

Denise Waelbers was born in the hamlet of Kerkhoven, in the town of Lommel, Limburg Province, on 26 September 1915, where she was raised. Eventually, she settled in Mortsel, where she met her future husband, Frank, an American. At the time, she owned a clothing store, and one day, Frank came in looking to buy a pair of pants. She intentionally gave him a pair that was too small, hoping he would return—and he did.

As of her 109th birthday in September 2024, she still lived independently in her apartment, though she was receiving some assistance from her neighbor. On her birthday, she received a bouquet of flowers from Mayor Erik Broeckx, who also shared the same birthday.

In December 2024, she met 107-year-old Jozef (Jos) Kets (22 April 1917 – 14 February 2025), the nation’s oldest living man.

In April 2025, at the age of 109, it was reported that she had moved from her apartment to a residential care center. Her upstairs neighbor, who had been caring for her, required surgery, making it impossible for Denise to remain in her apartment. She was given a room next to her former neighbor, Tinneke, who was now 104.