Catherina van der Linden has died aged 111 with the crown of Australia’s oldest living person

Catherina van der Linden credited her longevity to taking life in her stride and never sitting still.

The South Australian woman who laid claim to the title of Australia’s oldest living person died “peacefully” on Australia Day at the age of 111.

Catherina van der Linden, born van Meegen, was born in 1912 in the Netherlands and credited her longevity to her active lifestyle.

Mrs van der Linden migrated to Australia in 1955 with her husband John and young family, and resided in Southern Cross Care’s West Beach Residential Care from 2019 until her death on January 26, 2024.

Mrs van der Linden held a variety of jobs throughout her long life, including nursing assistant, clerical assistant and a season of grape picking.

Catherina van der Linden turned 111 in August of 2023 and revealed her secrets to a long life.

Mrs van der Linden aged 26, originally taken in the Netherlands. Picture: Supplied

She also volunteered with the Adelaide Hills branch of Meals on Wheels.

A spokeswoman for Southern Cross Care announced her death to the community online and said their thoughts and prayers were with the van der Linden family.

“(Mrs van der Linden) became a healthy ageing role model for fellow residents, with her love of walking and regular gym sessions,” the spokeswoman said.

“When asked on her 111th birthday in August last year about her advice for a long life, she said “Be happy with yourself and be content with what life gives you …” And of course, “keep moving, don’t sit still”.”

Mrs van der Linden with three of her children Mariella, Margherita and Garrath, a week before her 111th birthday.

“She will be lovingly remembered by her family and by all in the Southern Cross Care community.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas took to social media following the announcement of her death to extend his condolences to her loved ones.

“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,” Mr Malinauskas wrote.

My thoughts are with the van der Linden family, following the passing of Mrs Catherina van der Linden, aged 111.

I met Mrs van der Linden last year on her 111st birthday, who was Australia’s longest living person. pic.twitter.com/cFVcjF0iYB

— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) February 2, 2024

“When I asked about her secret for a long and happy life, she told me two things: regular gym sessions and regular walks.”

Mrs van der Linden is survived by her four children, and was an “adored Oma” to 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Southern Cross Care said her body has been donated as per her wishes to the University of Adelaide Body Donation Program “in the hope of helping to advance medical science through research”.

A memorial service will be held at 2.30pm on Friday, March 15 at The Florey Chapel, Centennial Park in Pasadena SA.