BIOGRAPHY

Elisabeth De Proost was born in Anderlecht, Brussels, Belgium, on 5 February 1908, as the only child of a couple living on Biestebroekstraat in Anderlecht. She remained in the same neighborhood her entire life. Her grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces also lived on Biestebroekstraat. During World War I, refugees occasionally took shelter in her school, leading to the suspension of classes. Her mother survived the Spanish flu in 1918 but remained frail for years. Every weekend, young Elisabeth would visit the city center with family or friends—to walk and see the latest fashion trends.

She began working at the age of 18, handling bookkeeping and payroll at a shoe factory in Koekelberg. Her workday started early in the morning, alongside the factory workers. During this time, she began dancing on Saturday afternoons—a passion she continued until the age of 95. She often danced the Viennese waltz. It was at the Baudouin dance hall that Elisabeth met her future husband.

In 1937, she married Louis at the Church of Saint-Guido. The couple settled on Wayezstraat, close to her family. In 1942, they welcomed their first child, a daughter. In 1948, Elisabeth had a second child, a boy.

Until around the age of 106, she lived independently in her own apartment in Anderlecht. After that, she moved into the Ten Prins rest home in the same municipality. At the age of 110, she shared her secret to longevity, saying it was to “always live healthily, walk, and dance until you drop.” A birthday party was organized in her honor, with Mayor Eric Thomas and Alderman Monique Cassart among the guests.

Elisabeth De Proost passed away in Anderlecht, Brussels, on 25 January 2020, at the age of 111 years, 354 days.

RECOGNITION

On 20 April 2018, following the passing of 110-year-old Madeleine Dullier, she became the oldest living person in Belgium. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Marietta Bouverne.

De Proost’s age was verified by Anthony Croes-Lacroix and was validated by the ESO on 29 June 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “110 kaarsjes voor oudste Brusselse” – Metro België, 6 February 2018

* “Oldest Brussels resident turns 110” – The Bulletin, 6 February 2018

* “Elisabeth De Proost, de oudste inwoonster van België” – BRUZZ, 4 April 2018

* “Oudste vrouw van België net voor 112de verjaardag overleden” – HLN, 1 February 2020

GALLERY