BIOGRAPHY

Til Ebberink-Vonk was born in Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands, on 21 May 1909, to parents Franciscus Vonk (1880–1955) and Baukje Roorda (1881–1951). She managed the bookkeeping for the family business until she got married.

On 27 June 1938, she married Johan Henri (Harrie) Ebberink (1906–1982) in Zwolle. Together, the couple had run a shop specializing in work and professional clothing on Oldenzaalsestraat and raised six children. First, she had three daughters, followed by three sons. Her husband passed away in 1985, at the age of 75. After his death, she lived alone and remained independent until the age of 98. Throughout her adult life, she stayed active by playing tennis, taking walks, and participating in housewife gymnastics. She started playing bridge at the age of 18.

In 2017, at 108, she began using a wheelchair after a fall left her with a broken arm, making it impossible to rely on her walker. However, by the time she was 110, her most significant challenge was her hearing loss. At 110 years old, she was still reading the newspaper daily, solving puzzles, occasionally playing bridge, and enjoying a drink. When informed on her 110th birthday that she was the second-oldest resident of the Netherlands, she was reportedly pleased but took it lightly. During the celebration, she remarked, “Oh well, growing old isn’t difficult. You just shouldn’t worry too much.” When asked about the secret to her longevity, she simply said, “Just don’t do anything crazy. And don’t worry too much.”

Til Ebberink-Vonk passed away in Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands, on 19 January 2020, at the age of 110 years, 243 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the second-oldest living person in the Netherlands, after Anne Brasz-Later.

Ebberink-Vonk’s age was verified by Marco Wikkerink and validated by the ESO on 25 November 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* Mathilde Elizabeth Agatha (Til) Vonk (1909-2020) – Genealogie Online

* “Oudste inwoner van Enschede (en Overijssel) wordt vandaag 110 jaar” – Tubantia, 21 May 2019

* “Ik voel me helemaal niet oud” – Planet Lifestyle

* “Oudste inwoner van Overijssel op 110-jarige leeftijd overleden” – Tubantia, 21 January 2020

GALLERY