The 'Majoor' (her real rank in the Salvation Army was higher), was famous in the Netherlands for her relief work in the Amsterdam Red Light District. After the second world war, she started a Goodwill Centre in the Red Light district, which developed into a major centre for help for homeless people, drug addicts and prostitutes. She did this work for decades. She retired in 1978 at age 65, but continued volunteering and attending public gatherings until shortly before her death.

She was widely praised for her humulity and wisdom, and her endless energy to help people.

A famous picture of her appeared in the 60's, when she guided Princess (now Queen) Beatrix incognito through the Red Light District (see picture in this Telegraaf article).

Special 'Tour of Honour' on Saturday
Majoor Bosshardt will be buried on Saturday. Before her burial she will be driven through Amsterdam in a special and unique funeral 'tour of honour'.
The tour will start at 11.15am in the heart of the Red Light District, and will then go along Dam Square, Central Station, on to Amsterdam East. The tour will last approximately 1 hour.
(See also the Map of the tour of honour).

After the (non-public) funeral service in the Koningskerk church, she will be buried on the Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats cemetery in Amsterdam East.


Majoor Bosshardt