Corrie ten Boom was a very brave lady who helped many people during a difficult time in history. She and her family hid Jewish people in their home during World War II, risking their own lives to save others. Sadly, they were caught, and Corrie was sent to a concentration camp. But even in such a terrible place, she never gave up hope.
Corrie’s story is one of courage, faith, and forgiveness. She traveled the world, sharing her experiences and inspiring others. But like everyone, Corrie’s time on Earth eventually came to an end. In this article, we’ll learn about Corrie ten Boom’s life, her work, and the circumstances of her death.
The Early Life of Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, in 1892. She grew up in a loving Christian family who were watchmakers. Her father, Casper ten Boom, was a deeply religious man who taught Corrie about the importance of helping others. This lesson would shape her entire life.
A Family of Faith and Service
The ten Boom family were devout Christians and active members of the Dutch Reformed Church. Their faith was central to their lives, and they were known for their generosity and compassion. Corrie’s father often said, “Our home is open to anyone in need.” He lived by these words, and the ten Boom house became a refuge for many people over the years.
Learning the Family Trade
Corrie learned watchmaking from her father and became the first licensed female watchmaker in the Netherlands. She also established a club for young girls, teaching them about the Bible and practical skills. This experience helped her develop strong leadership qualities and a deep love for sharing her faith.
World War II and the Hiding Place
When World War II broke out, the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. The ten Boom family, horrified by the persecution of Jewish people, decided to help. They turned their home into a secret hiding place, offering shelter to those fleeing the Nazis.
The “Beje” and its Secret Room
The ten Boom’s home, known as the “Beje,” was a small, unassuming house. With the help of a local builder, they created a tiny hidden room in Corrie’s bedroom, just big enough to hold six people. This secret room, accessed through a false wall behind a wardrobe, became a lifeline for many Jewish people.
The Underground Network
The ten Boom family worked with a network of brave individuals who helped forge identity cards, find food rations, and transport people to safety. Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father risked their lives daily to protect those in their care.
Betrayal and Arrest
Sadly, their work could not continue indefinitely. In 1944, the ten Boom family and their helpers were betrayed by a Dutch informant. The Gestapo raided the Beje, arresting everyone in the house. Although the Nazis searched the house thoroughly, they failed to discover the hidden room, and the six people inside remained safe.
Corrie ten Boom in the Concentration Camps
After their arrest, Corrie, Betsie, and their father were sent to different prisons. Corrie and Betsie endured harsh conditions in various concentration camps, including Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s camp.
Life in Ravensbrück
Life in Ravensbrück was brutal. Prisoners faced starvation, disease, and constant abuse from the guards. Despite the horrors surrounding them, Corrie and Betsie held onto their faith, offering comfort and hope to fellow prisoners. They secretly held prayer meetings and Bible studies, providing a source of strength in the midst of despair.
Betsie’s Death and Corrie’s Release
Tragically, Betsie’s health deteriorated rapidly due to the harsh conditions in Ravensbrück. She died just weeks before the camp was liberated. Corrie was released shortly after Betsie’s death due to a clerical error. She later learned that all the women in her age group were sent to the gas chambers the week following her release.
How Did Corrie ten Boom Die?
After the war, Corrie ten Boom returned to the Netherlands and established a rehabilitation center for concentration camp survivors. She also began sharing her story, traveling the world and speaking about forgiveness, even for those who had caused her so much pain.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Corrie dedicated her life to spreading a message of hope and reconciliation. She wrote several books, including her autobiography, “The Hiding Place,” which became an international bestseller. Her story touched millions of people, inspiring them with her courage and unwavering faith.
Later Years and Passing
Corrie ten Boom continued her ministry well into her old age, traveling and speaking until her health began to decline. She immigrated to the United States in 1977 and settled in Placentia, California.
Corrie ten Boom died peacefully in her sleep on April 15, 1983, her 91st birthday. She had suffered several strokes in the years leading up to her death. She is remembered as a woman of great faith, courage, and compassion, who dedicated her life to serving others and sharing the message of God’s love.
Corrie ten Boom’s Legacy
Corrie ten Boom’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world. Her story reminds us of the importance of courage, compassion, and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.
The Hiding Place Museum
The ten Boom family home in Haarlem, the “Beje,” is now a museum. It serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who resisted the Nazis during World War II.
Continuing Inspiration
Corrie ten Boom’s books, including “The Hiding Place,” “Tramp for the Lord,” and “In My Father’s House,” continue to be read and cherished by people of all ages. Her story has also been adapted into a film and a play, reaching even wider audiences.
| Book Title | Year Published | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Hiding Place | 1971 | Corrie’s autobiography, recounting her experiences during World War II |
| Tramp for the Lord | 1974 | Details Corrie’s travels and ministry around the world |
| In My Father’s House | 1976 | Focuses on Corrie’s spiritual journey and reflections on faith |
| Events in Corrie ten Boom’s Life | Year |
|---|---|
| Born in Haarlem, Netherlands | 1892 |
| Becomes first licensed female watchmaker in the Netherlands | 1922 |
| Family begins hiding Jewish people in their home | 1940 |
| Arrested by the Gestapo | 1944 |
| Imprisoned in Ravensbrück concentration camp | 1944 |
| Released from Ravensbrück | 1945 |
| Establishes rehabilitation center for concentration camp survivors | 1947 |
| Publishes “The Hiding Place” | 1971 |
| Immigrates to the United States | 1977 |
| Dies in Placentia, California | 1983 |
Conclusion
Corrie ten Boom’s life was a testament to the power of faith, courage, and forgiveness. Despite facing unimaginable hardship and loss, she never wavered in her belief in God’s goodness. Her story continues to inspire people around the world, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Corrie ten Boom’s legacy serves as a powerful example of how one person’s actions can make a profound difference in the lives of others. By remembering her story, we can all strive to live with greater compassion, courage, and love.
FAQs
How old was Corrie ten Boom when she died?
Corrie ten Boom died on her 91st birthday in 1983.
Where did Corrie ten Boom die?
Corrie ten Boom died in Placentia, California, where she had been living since 1977.
What was the cause of Corrie ten Boom’s death?
Corrie ten Boom died peacefully in her sleep after suffering several strokes.
Where was Corrie ten Boom buried?
Corrie ten Boom is buried in Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, California.
What is Corrie ten Boom most known for?
Corrie ten Boom is best known for her book “The Hiding Place,” which recounts her experiences hiding Jewish people from the Nazis during World War II and her time in a concentration camp.