Lena Silbers

Lena was born in a small village outside of the Kilden area in the Netherlands on June 10, 1780. Her father worked at the post office, and her mother cared for the children. In her twenties, she met David Silbers at a protest for the Patriots. They started talking, and David invited her for a hot drink. They turned out to be a good match and began to see each other more often. They got married on May 5, 1805, and Lena moved in with him to a small apartment above his butchery, along with his elderly mother. Lena started working in the butchery, mainly at the front desk serving customers.   Lena had a childhood wish to have children, but she faced difficulties conceiving, which took a toll on her mood. Despite being typically excited and positive, she became withdrawn and quiet. Luckily, after twelve years of marriage, she became pregnant with her son Joël, who was born on January 23, 1817. Just three years later, she gave birth to her daughter Elsbeth, completing the family and fulfilling Lena's childhood dream. She led a simple, quiet life, balancing work, motherhood, and religion.   On January 4, 1853, she found her husband, David, dead beside her in bed. He had quietly passed away in his sleep without any prior illness or problems. The death of her companion devastated her, and she began ageing quickly. However, she kept her happy and optimistic spirit for her children and grandchildren. Three years after the death of David, on December 28, 1856, Lena passed away. She was found in her bed, sleeping on the side of her husband. Like him, she peacefully went in her sleep. She was laid to rest next to her husband at the Lutherian cemetery.