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Geerinckx, Maria Josephina (Fientje)

Date of birth:
April 13th, 1886 (Geel-Stelen, Belgium)
Date of death:
November 29th, 1951 (Geel, Belgium)
Buried on:
Belgian Graves Veterans Geel
Nationality:
Belgian (1830-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography


"More than anyone in Geel, she bore the burden and ordeal of two consecutive world wars. During the war 1914-18, she lived by the crossing of the streets Molseweg and Meerhoutseweg, in the inn "Het Punt" (The Point). Along with her husband, she was a active in a branched out espionage system for the Allied forces. Her husband was captured and sentenced to death. The Armistice prevented his execution.

During the Second World War, her son Jozef was taken prisoner of war and died in a camp (Stalag VIII) in Görlitz (Poland). Her other son Gerebernus died of torture in the Buchenwald concentration camp.

Despite these misfortunes crossing her life, she actively continued her acts of resistance, together with her youngest son Remy. She grew to become an important intermediate link in the escape route of shot down pilots. They found safe shelter in her basement, next to the sawmill at the Pas street.

For their bravery, the mother and son were awarded an honorary diploma.

On her obituary were written the following words:
"She showed a sturdily soul and her heart was filled with bravery.
She did everything for the country where she was born..."

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With gold stripe
Ridder in de Orde van Leopold II
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze palm
Croix de Guerre 1940

Sources

  • Photo 1: Walter Thijs
  • - Commemorative Panel General Cemetery St. Dimpna in Geel
    - Walter Thijs

Photo