A resident in the South Australian residential aged care home, believed to be formerly the oldest living person in Australia, has died “peacefully”.
Catherina van der Linden was 111 years old when she died on 26 January, Australia Day, at the Southern Cross Care West Beach Residential Care home, in the seaside suburb of Adelaide.
Readers of agedcare101.com.au may remember the story in August last year that featured Catherina's 111th birthday. West Beach Residential Care Manager, Catherine Willoughby, then said Catherina was a role model of healthy ageing for all the home’s staff and residents.
“Catherina is an inspiration to all of us, she’s still doing regular walks around the facility, opens the exit doors and around she goes, we’ve actually got a couple of other new residents that have started doing the same routine,” she said.
“Other residents really enjoy just the fact that she keeps them inspired by keeping moving, she always says it’s important to keep moving.”
Born in the Netherlands on 26 August 1912, the great-grandmother migrated to Australia in 1955 to raise her family.
“Beloved wife of John (deceased). Cherished mother of Mariella and Bob, Jerome and Robyn, Garrath and Thawanrat (Nop), Margherita and Carl,” the funeral notice read.
“Adored Oma to 10 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. Greatly missed. Proudly celebrated.”
Catherina, who was also believed to be the oldest living Dutch person in the world, had always credited her longevity to exercise and staying active every day.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas shared his condolences with the van der Linden family.
“It was one of the greatest moments to be able to meet Mrs van der Linden and to hear her story – migrating to Australia from the Netherlands and raising her beautiful family," said the SA Premier.
“When I asked about her secret for a long and happy life, she told me two things: regular gym sessions and regular walks.”
It’s understood Catherina’s body will be donated to the University of Adelaide’s Body Donation Program upon her request.
