Sister Thérèse-Marie was born and raised in Heist. She grew up in a family with 9 children. Her father was a plasterer and her mother often worked on the beach, which meant she spent a lot of time on the beach as a child. After her schooling, she completed a four-year nursing training in Bruges and started as a nurse in a hospital operating room. Later, she worked for the Wit-Gele Kruis.
After her career as a nurse with the Wit-Gele Kruis, hospital, pharmacy, and lab, she retired at the age of 78. She didn't feel like enjoying rest and therefore volunteered at the nursing home De Noordhinder. She has always been a busy bee and likes to keep her hands busy. She has undergone many operations throughout her life, from which she always recovered well. Despite working a lot, she also often went for walks and traveled, including 14 pilgrimages to Lourdes.
Sister Thérèse-Marie also occupies herself with board games, television, computer, outings, walks, and various Christian matters.
