Julia Van Hool

BIOGRAPHY

Julia Van Hool was born in Putte, Antwerp, Belgium, on 7 May 1909, as the fourth of seven children born to parents Joseph Van Hool (1882–1974) and Maria Anna Croonen (1881–1974). Her siblings were Irma (1904–2000), Rosalia (1906–1995), Joanna Mathildis (born 1907), Augustinus (born 1911), Felix (1914–1994), and Maria Clementina (born 1915).

In 1932, the family moved to Koningshooikt, where they opened a hair salon. In January 1932, Julia married René Op de Beeck, who established a butcher’s shop in Lier in 1936. Together, they had four children—one daughter and three sons—all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps to become butchers. After René retired, their youngest son took over the business. Julia became a widow in 1982 but continued assisting with the family business until the age of 82. She lived independently until 2015, after her 106th birthday, when a fall prompted her decision to move to a nursing home.

Julia enjoyed good health for most of her life. She remained physically active, capable of walking short distances unaided by a walker, and stayed mentally sharp. A social and vibrant individual, she relished chatting with fellow residents. She attributed her longevity to eating healthy, freshly prepared food, working hard, and ensuring proper rest. At the age of 100, she remained remarkably active, regularly visiting the market in Lier every Saturday, either on foot or by bus. Occasionally, she even drove to markets in Heist-op-den-Berg or Mortsel. By the age of 102, her hobbies included knitting, gardening, walking, exploring markets, and visiting her granddaughter. At 102, she had two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

At 111 and a half years old, she overcoming a coronavirus infection, experiencing only mild symptoms despite testing positive. However, shortly before her 112th birthday, she began to feel unwell. A medical check-up at the local hospital was arranged, but she passed away there unexpectedly on 29 April 2021, at the age of 111 years, 357 days.

RECOGNITION

On 3 August 2020, following the passing of 111-year-old Marietta Bouverne, she became the oldest living person in Belgium, at the age of 111 years, 88 days. She held the title until her own passing in April 2021, when she was succeeded by Marcelle Lévaz.

Van Hool’s age was verified by Anthony Croes-Lacroix and Ronny Motmans, and was validated by the ESO on 25 August 2020.