The last Gent’s beguine, Marcella Van Hoecke, died Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 in a Gent rest home. Marcella Van Hoecke was going to be 100 years old. Her death marks the end of 800 years of beguinal presence in Gent. Marcella Van Hoecke was born on July 28, 1908 in Kalken and entered the Beguinage Onze Lieve Vrouw Ter Hoyen in 1935. From 1956 to 1988, she was the Mother Superior of the Onze Lieve Vrouw ter Bloemen Convent. From 1968 to 1994, she also took the helm of Ter Hoyen Beguinage. In 1994, Marcella had retired to Avondvrede Nursing Home, where she died. Her funeral is scheduled for May 31 at the beguinage church.
Source: La libre Belgique, Posted online, 23/05/2008