Stories

For more than 35 years, Mdm Ho Lien Foon devoted her life to caring for the Chen family. She came to Singapore from China as a young woman and never married, dedicating her working years to raising children and caring for the household. To Vincent Chen and his family, she was far more than a domestic helper. She was a trusted caregiver who helped raise both Vincent and, years later, his two sons.

After retiring in the late 1980s, Mdm Ho remained in the Chinatown community she had long called home, living independently in a one-room rental flat at Block 5, Banda Street. Without family in Singapore, she found companionship among her neighbours and continued living a simple but meaningful life.

While the family cannot recall exactly when Mdm Ho first started attending Yong-en, she became one of the centre’s early clients. Living near the centre, she became a familiar face, looking forward to each visit. There, she found companionship and joy through the friendships she built and the activities that filled her days, from reading the Chinese newspaper, exercise sessions and storytelling to mahjong which was her favourite, classic movies, and lively conversations in Cantonese!

Former Care Associate Christina Law still remembers fetching Mdm Ho from her flat each morning. Though walking had become increasingly difficult, she rarely missed a day. Having spent much of her life caring for others, Yong-en became a place where she herself was cared for, with friendship, dignity, and a community that welcomed her.

The Chen family visited Mdm Ho regularly and saw firsthand how much Yong-en meant to her. Knowing she was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her brought them great comfort during her retirement years.

When Mdm Ho passed away in 2003 at the age of 92, she left a bequest of $18,000. Honouring her wishes, Vincent donated the gift to Yong-en in her memory. What began as fulfilling her final wish soon grew into a lasting family tradition. Moved by the care Mdm Ho had received, the Chen family continued supporting Yong-en through regular donations.

“We have seen how Yong-en has touched the life of Mdm Ho and wish to support its mission so that more people can benefit from its services,” Vincent shared. “We also continue donating to Yong-en in memory of Mdm Ho and in grateful appreciation of her service to our family.”

Today, every donation honours not only Mdm Ho’s memory but also the community that became such an important part of her later years. Her story is a reminder that the impact of care extends far beyond the person who first receives it. A woman who devoted her life to caring for one family continues to touch the lives of many more through the kindness she inspired, reflecting Yong-en’s enduring legacy of strength in every story and growth in every generation.