Celebrity
Shame over her origins never fully subsided for Susanna Mullens-van Oijen (1926-2026)
Susanna Mullens-van Oijen, who celebrated her 100th birthday in Amsterdam, maintained a positive attitude and rigorous fitness routine despite deep-seated insecurities rooted in her impoverished childhood in the Jordaan district. Born in 1926 to parents Henk and Marijtje Van Oijen during the economic crisis, she struggled with feelings of inferiority due to her lack of formal education and working-class background. Although she cultivated an elegant demeanor and learned to suppress her local accent, she remained shy in large groups and guarded against rejection. Her resilience was evident in her active lifestyle, which included cycling, swimming, yoga, and careful attention to skincare and diet. She lived independently until the end, balancing charm and wit with a protective pride that masked her vulnerability.
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