BIOGRAPHY

Fernande De Raeve was born in Ledeberg, East Flanders, Belgium, on 3 December 1906. She was the only child of Jan Baptiste De Raeve, a metalworker, and his wife, Irma Piens. She spent her childhood on Hundelgemsesteenweg in Ledeberg. Her father passed away during the First World War, forcing her to take on household responsibilities at a young age. As a war orphan, she was given the opportunity to attend college. Later, she worked for a time as a lace maker in a workshop.

In 1929, she met Emilius Everaert, whom she married the following year. The couple settled in Oostakker and had two children—a daughter and a son. Fernande remained a homemaker, dedicating herself to caring for her husband, children, and her mother, who lived with them until her passing. After her husband retired from his job at a brewery, the couple traveled extensively, camping across Europe with their tent.

Fernande became a widow in 1995 and continued living on her own until early 2000, when her worsening eyesight led her to move in with her daughter. A few years later, at the age of 96, she moved into a care home in Sint-Amandsberg, where she passed away shortly after her 111th birthday due to complications from bronchitis. When asked about the secret of her longevity, she attributed it to: not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and consuming plenty of milk.

RECOGNITION

On 31 January 2017, following the passing of 112-year-old Alicia Corveleyn, she became the oldest living person in Belgium, at the age of 110 years, 59 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Madeleine Dullier.

ATTRIBUTION

* Fernande De Raeve (1906-2017) – Belgische eeuwelingen

* “Fernande blaast 104 kaarsjes uit” – Het Nieuwsblad, 4 December 2010

* “106-jarige Fernande is tweede oudste Gentenaar” – Het Nieuwsblad, 4 December 2012

* “Fernande is met 107 net niet oudste inwoner van Gent” – Het Nieuwsblad, 4 December 2013

* “Oudste Gentenaar Fernande wordt 109” – sofiebracke.be, 3 December 2015

* “Oudste Belg Fernande De Raeve (111) overleden” – VRT NWS, 7 December 2017

GALLERY