Paul's last aunt, his father's sister Henriette, just passed away—she was the last of her generation. Henriette was one of 15 siblings! She was a devout yet progressive woman who was a Catholic nun for a few years but felt too constrained in that role and left the order. She never married (only 4 of the 10 girls married), lived very simply, and spent her life helping the down and out, both in the Netherlands and overseas.
Henriette, in Leiden, with her surviving siblings in 2004. She is the 3rd from the left.
Henriette, in Leiden, with her surviving siblings in 2004. She is the 3rd from the left.
Henriette, in Leiden, with her surviving siblings in 2004. She is the 3rd from the left.
-2.jpg "Henriette and her 14 siblings")
All 15 siblings in a row from oldest to youngest at a family reunion in 1976. Henriette is 4th from the right. Paul's father is sixth from the right.
All 15 siblings in a row from oldest to youngest at a family reunion in 1976. Henriette is 4th from the right. Paul's father is sixth from the right.
All 15 siblings in a row from oldest to youngest at a family reunion in 1976. Henriette is 4th from the right. Paul's father is sixth from the right.