Sister Liesbeth of Heenvliet (d. 1450) was a scion of a high ranking noble family in the county of Holland. Her parents had named her after Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, from whom they were descended. Liesbeth was born blind. Her mother did not dare to inform the child’s father, Johan of Heenvliet. Instead, she appealed to God and His Mother. Contrary to what she should have done, she did not vow her daughter to God’s service. Despite her mother’s laxity, Liesbeth’s eyes healed completely. She grew into a beautiful and most intelligent girl – a further sign that God and the Virgin had extended their mercy to her.