Alice

Yet, several of her addresses are given in French, even in Flemish cities.

So that suggests either outdated knowledge, exposure mainly through French-speaking channels, or someone not deeply familiar with the linguistic reality on the ground.

Then there's the repeated use of St.

Walburg.

St.

Walburga is venerated in Germany and also associated with Liege in French-speaking Wallonia near Belgium's German-speaking region.

The repetition of that specific saint name combined with the use of French and German, post-World War I Italian migration to mining regions around Liege, which in turn could explain her, quote, olive complexion and that she smelled of garlic, makes me wonder whether she may have lived in or around Liege for some time.

It would neatly connect the French usage, the German familiarity, the saint reference, and the broader cultural mix of that region in the mid-20th century.

Curious what you guys think.

P.S.

In Belgium, the northern part is Flemish, Dutch, and the southern part is Walloon, French.

Some eastern parts in the French region are German, see the World Wars, and Brussels is predominantly French, though officially bilingual.

No, this is awesome information because only someone who like lives there and knows of the history of like when different languages were adopted or the way street names were changed is so helpful.

So thank you for writing in, Lizbeth.

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You guys know I am always thinking about what meal to serve next.