Marie Anne Simonis facts for kids

Marie Anne Simonis (born January 17, 1758 – died November 21, 1831) was a very important Belgian businesswoman. People often called her "La Grande Madame" (The Great Lady). She played a huge part in making Belgium a more industrial country.

Marie Anne and her brother, Iwan Simonis [de], brought new machines to the textile industry in their area. They used inventions from Britain, like the Spinning Jenny. This machine helped make cloth much faster than before.

Her Early Life and Business

Iwan Simonis woolen mill in Verviers

Marie Anne Simonis was born in a town called Verviers on January 17, 1758. When she was 19, on December 11, 1777, she married Jean-François Biolley. He also owned a textile business.

Marie Anne took charge of her husband's company because he was not well. She was a very skilled leader.

Challenges and New Ideas

During the French Revolution, many people from France had to leave their homes. Marie Anne welcomed some of these French refugees.

However, when the French army invaded her home region, the Prince-bishopric of Liège, she had to become a refugee herself in 1795. She moved to different cities like Brunswick and Hamburg.

When things became calmer, she returned to Verviers. There, she worked closely with William Cockerill. He was an inventor who made machines for her husband's factory. This partnership helped bring modern technology to their textile business.

Helping Her Community

Marie Anne Simonis cared deeply about the people who worked for her. She wanted to make their lives better.

Because of this, she started schools for children and hospitals for those who were sick or poor. She believed in supporting her community.

Marie Anne Simonis passed away on November 21, 1831. She died at Hodbomont Castle, which is in a town called Theux. She is remembered as a pioneering businesswoman who helped shape the industrial future of Belgium and cared for her workers.