| Riek Driessen-van Gasteren | |
 | |
| Birth: | 4 February 1906 The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands |
| Death: | 5 May 2016 Hoorn, North Holland, Netherlands |
| Age: | 110 years, 91 days |
| Country: |  NED
|
| Validated | |
Riek Driessen-van Gasteren (4 February 1906 - 5 May 2016) was a Dutch supercentenarian who is verified. At the time of her death, she was the second oldest living person in The Netherlands, behind Geertje Kuijntjes.
Biography[]
Riek Driessen-van Gasteren was born in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands on 4 February 1906. At the age of 10, she was, together with her classmates, able to give a handshake to either Queen Wilhelmina or Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. She was one of the few kids (if not, the only kid) that chose Duke Henry because she found it sad for him that nobody wanted to give him a handshake. Later in her life, she mentioned that she kind of regretted her decision, though.
During World War II, Mrs. Driessen-van Gasteren and the three of her children ate nothing but tulip bulbs. While most of the Dutch people at that time were disgusted by this kind of 'food', she and her children made promises about continuing eating tulip bulbs because they really liked them. According to Mrs. Driessen-van Gasteren, 'Hunger is the best sauce'.
At the time of her 106th birthday, it was mentioned that she's still in good health. Her secret to her longevity was 'a healthy way of living, hard working and to rest on the right time'. She became the oldest living person in the province of North Holland following the death of Greet Hogenhout-van Kerkhof on 28 August 2015.
Riek Driessen-van Gasteren passed away on 5 May 2016 (Liberation Day 2016) in Hoorn, North Holland, Netherlands at the age of 110 years, 91 days.
References[]
- 2022 validations Gerontology Research Group
- Oudste inwoner West-Friesland is 106 NH Nieuws, 4 February 2012
- Riek Driessen - van Gasteren famileberichten.nl