Oldest Belgian dies in Ghent
The country’s oldest resident, Fernande De Raeve, has died, just a few days after her 111th birthday
Lifelong Gentenaar
“I had the opportunity to get to know Fernande, and she was a wonderful lady,” said Bracke. “Despite her limited vision, she embraced life and enjoyed company. It is terribly sad that we have to say goodbye to our oldest Gentenaar and also our oldest Belgian citizen.”
De Raeve was born on 3 December 2024 in Ghent. As a child, she lost both her parents in the First World War.
In 1929, she met Emilius, and the couple married. They lived in the Oostakker district with their two children. They were found of travelling, and when Emilius retired, they bought a tent and travelled a great deal.
After her husband passed away in 1995, De Raeve continued to live on her own for five years, then moved in with her daughter. As her eyesight became increasingly worse, she finally settled in Het Heiveld when she was 96.
The oldest Belgian is now Madeleine Dullier, who lives in Mettet in Wallonia. She is 110.
Photo: Fernande De Raeve and city councillor Sofie Bracke on De Raeve’s 110th birthday
©Steven Vanden Bussche/BELGA
