BIOGRAPHY

Elisabeth Bönte was born in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany, on 26 February 1915, to parents Albert and Elisabeth (Ella). She had a brother, Theodor. In her youth, she aspired to become a vocational school teacher but left school to care for her ailing mother. Instead, she took a different path and became a tram conductor. The hiring process was quick and straightforward. It was during this job that she met her future husband, who worked as a tram driver. Together, they had two daughters. After World War II, they worked side by side to rebuild what had been destroyed and provided aid to many refugees.

Until the age of 103, she lived alone in the town of Marl. She later moved to Albersloh, where her daughter enjoyed visiting her, and together they would explore the village. At 108, it was reported that her eyesight had deteriorated, but her mind remained sharp, allowing her to stay aware of her surroundings.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Elisabeth Bönte (108) ist die älteste Bürgerin der Stadt” – Westfälische Nachrichten, 3 March 2023

* “Kaiser, Krieg und große Kraft – Elisabeth Bönte wird 110 Jahre alt” – Westfälische Nachrichten, 26 February 2025

GALLERY