© Emile Mentz
Born in 1924 in Dudelange, Lina Knoerr-Klauner is still her spirited and joyous self despite her old age.
RTL scheduled a meeting with Ms Lina Knoerr–Klauner. For the past four years, the centenarian has been living in a care home in Esch-sur-Alzette.
As soon as the sprightly lady answered "tipptopp!" when asked how she was doing that day, we knew we were in for a treat.
She's proud to tell us that while she's gotten her hips replaced at 80 and 87 years old, she only has one complaint. "If only I could buy a new bladder, I checked in Cactus, and they didn't have any left. As soon as I drink anything, I have to rush to the toilets. That's my only problem." She laughed and a smile spread across her face.
June 11, 1924
Lina was born on June 11, 1924 in the dance hall in the 'Italian quarter' of Dudelange. Her parents were Christine Dick, born in Cologne and Jean–Pierre Klauner from Neudorf. Her mother lived until she was 92 years old and her father passed away at the age of 70. When Lina was 8 months old, her family decided to move from Dudelange to Cologne. They stayed there until 1934.
Lina Knoerr–Klauner was 10 years old when she returned to Luxembourg. Until she was 22, she lived in Dudelange – Burange on Rue du Nord. She also lived in Volmerange-les-Mines for a while. "I was always on the move," the 100-year-old woman tells us in the interview.
Family life
She grew up with 3 sisters and 5 brothers and Lina was the eldest daughter. One of her sisters, Catherina Keth, is still alive. She lives in Ontario, Canada and is 94 years old.
"My father always said, if you want to get married, you have to first see if you can take care of a family." Lina's father went to work. Her mother stayed at home to look after the children and take care of the household.
Lina Knoerr–Klauner had a total of ten children, five boys and five girls. Of these, two boys and one girl have already passed away: Paul, Edy, and Chantale. "My children live all over the world. France, Bavaria and Berlin, among others. [...] They adore coming to Luxembourg to visit."
"My misery began with my first husband. [...] My mother always said: "Länny, keep your head held high. God may let you sink but he won't let you drown"
After divorcing her first husband, François Birchem, the always-joyful woman had a tough going: "All I wanted was for my children to be happy, that they don't suffer anymore."
Eventually she got remarried, but in 1979 Lina's second husband, René Knoerr, passed away at 50 years old.
"After 21 grandchildren, I stopped counting"
Today, she already has a great-great-granddaughter. That's Emelia and she was born in 2020. She lives with her family in France.
Day to day
Lina has a lot of energy. She takes a nap between 10 and 11 in the morning and then her day really gets going. "A 1-hour long nap in the morning and we are good to go."
"Cross-stitching is my passion." This is what the 100-year-old woman tells us very proudly. "I've already cross-stitched so much, at this point I don't even know how much I have." Her eyes shine with joy. While in a care home, she has now cross-stitched 15 pictures for her family. And she's not done yet.
Secrets to longevity
So as a centenarian, what's the secret to Lina's long life? According to Lina it's "lots of singing and laughing, and praying every evening that you wake up the next day in good health," she said. She also thanked her son Josy, who still cares and looks after her.
"Beefsteak, fries, and salad"
Lina's favourite meal. "I've loved cooking all my life. I still love cooking today," the 100-year-old woman tells us. "I was always fully stocked. For the autumn and winter." She also likes a little dessert every now and then. "I also really like a piece of cake, but nothing with buttercream."
At the end of our conversation, we had the privilege of sharing some Boxemännchen and a cup of coffee after spending a lovely morning with a delightful lady, full of life.
