Centenarian who raised 10 children single-handedly passes away at 101

Madam Lin Jiao, who died of organ failure due to old age, breathed her last at Ren Ci Nursing Home last Tuesday (3 December) at 4.45 pm, according to Shin Min Daily News.

Her life was a testament to resilience, having overcome incredible hardships to provide for her family.

Her husband succumbed to liver cancer when she was 45, leaving her to shoulder the responsibility of raising their 10 children.

Despite the daunting task, Madam Lin never remarried, dedicating her life entirely to her children.

Her sixth daughter, Chua Xiuduan (transliterated from Mandarin), 67, shared how the family struggled during her childhood.

Even before her father’s passing, they frequently relied on the generosity of neighbours to borrow food during his final years.

Supporting the Family Through Farming and Odd Jobs

After her husband’s death, Madam Lin turned to farming and various odd jobs to support her large family.

She grew vegetables, reared chickens, and sold fruits like durians and rambutans, which she gathered herself.

Additionally, she worked part-time at a factory sewing clothes to supplement the family income.

Ms Chua recalled that despite their financial challenges, her mother remained steadfast, refusing to rely on her late husband’s relatives.

Instead, her four eldest children entered the workforce early to help ease the family’s burdens, while the younger ones pursued education until financial constraints forced them to stop at the secondary level.

A Gentle but Unwavering Matriarch

Madam Lin’s personality was described as gentle yet unwavering.

Ms Chua noted that her mother’s primary aspiration was simple: to improve her children’s lives and ensure their safety and health.

“She suffered so much for us, but she won all our admiration,” Ms Chua added.

Cherished Hometown Visits and Simple Pleasures

In the 1980s, the family’s financial situation improved, enabling them to move into an HDB flat and take Madam Lin on annual trips to her hometown in Fujian, China.

These visits, which typically lasted half a month, were deeply cherished by Madam Lin, allowing her to reunite with relatives and relive memories from her youth.

Madam Lin also enjoyed simple pleasures. She loved listening to Hokkien songs, watching traditional wayang performances, and eating meals that reflected her humble tastes, such as sweet potato porridge, leafy greens, and pickled mustard greens.

Madam Lin’s life was defined by her relentless dedication to her family. Her sacrifices ensured that her children had better lives despite the adversities they faced together.