Born on December 15, 1905, in Groningen, the Netherlands, Berendina Annagena (Dien) Knol (née Freese) led a remarkable life marked by resilience, faith, and service. Her family migrated to Australia in 1928 after her father, Jurjen Peter Freese, faced financial ruin in the Netherlands. Dien, aged 23 at the time, left behind her homeland to begin a new life in Western Australia.
During World War II, Dien served as a nurse and a member of the Netherlands Indies Women’s Army Corps. Stationed in Brisbane, Sydney, and Casino, she worked with Dutch, American, and Australian forces, caring for wounded soldiers and civilians, including those who had suffered under Japanese occupation in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). Her experiences during the war deeply shaped her commitment to nursing and caring for others, including former prisoners of war and refugees.
After the war, Dien returned to Australia, where she met and married Sijbe Knol, a former Marine in the Royal Netherlands Navy. Together, they built a life rooted in their shared faith and Dutch heritage, raising a family in Perth. Dien continued her nursing career, becoming a midwife and working in various hospitals.
Her deep Christian faith, nurtured in the Reformed Church, was a constant throughout her life. Dien’s legacy of love, service, and faith is remembered by her family, friends, and community. She passed away peacefully on August 25, 2001, leaving behind a life testimony of resilience, care, and unwavering faith in God’s plan.
