Longevity ~ Maria Timmermans (100) in Bergen op Zoom

Maria Timmermans, born in Hoeven in Brabant, The Netherlands, was 44 years old when she married. The groom was Wilhelmus (“Willem”) van der Sluijs, born in Roosendaal in Brabant. They were both living in Bergen op Zoom in Brabant, when they were married there on 17 December 1721. Witnesses were Catharina van Heinsbergen and Guilelmus Criael who were married on that same day. Maria's marriage lasted for over 50 years, so Willem may have been somewhat younger than his bride.

Maria was sickly and laying in bed when she and Willem first had a will drawn up on 20 February 1725.
They had another will drawn up on 28 February 1747. One of Maria's beneficiaries was Willem Timmermans, minor son of her half-brother Aernout Timmermans. Another beneficiary was Maria Timmermans (†1772), wife of Johannes (“Jan”) Belderbos. That Maria was an illegitimate daughter of the elder Maria's deceased brother Cornelis Timmermans. Maria Timmermans and Willem van der Sluijs had been witnesses on 20 January 1736 in Bergen op Zoom at the baptism of Godefridus, son of Jan Belderbos and the younger Maria Timmermans.
A Willebort Timmermans was named as guardian of the minor heirs. On 31 October 1762 the couple had another will drawn up. That time Aernout's son was not mentioned.

Maria Timmermans, widow of Willem van der Sluijs, died on 25 December 1778 in Bergen op Zoom, at the age of 100. Her inheritance was handled by Anna Timmermans.

Leeuwarder Courant, 4-3-1778

Sources: Delpher.nl, WestBrabantsArchief.nl, WieWasWie.nl.