BIOGRAPHY

Riek Driessen-van Gasteren was born in Den Haag, South Holland, Netherlands, on 4 February 1906. Her parents were Wilhelmus van Gasteren (1859–1939) and Hendrika ter Bruggen (1865–1942). When she was 10 years old, her class was given the opportunity to shake hands with either Queen Wilhelmina or Prince Hendrik. Riek chose to stand in Prince Hendrik’s line because she felt sorry for him—no one else had. She always carried a small regret about that choice.

On 18 November 1931, she married Andreas Johannes Antonius Driessen. During World War II, she lived in The Hague with three children, surviving on tulip bulbs. They even agreed to keep eating them after the war because, surprisingly, they had grown to enjoy the taste.

When asked about the secret to her longevity at 106, she replied, “Healthy living, hard work, and knowing when to rest.” At the time, she had four living children, eight grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Riek Driessen-van Gasteren passed away in Hoorn, North Holland, on 5 May 2016, at the age of 110 years, 91 days.

RECOGNITION

Driessen-van Gasteren’s age was verified by Marco Wikkerink and validated by the ESO on 15 April 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* Hendrika, Hermana van Gasteren Riek – geneanet

* “Oudste inwoner West-Friesland is 106” – NH Nieuws, 4 February 2012

GALLERY