Ex-teacher's 100th birthday a testament to healthy, spiritual living
Theresa (seated) celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by family and close friends.
GOOD genes, a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong positive outlook have contributed to 100-year-old Theresa Yan's longevity.
Tan Boon Tin, Theresa's son-in-law, said the centenarian who celebrated her birthday on April 25 was still in good health.
'She does not have any major illnesses and she still has all her natural teeth.
'However, she has dementia and is living in a nursing home in Ipoh, Perak.
'She cooked when she was younger and always ate fresh fruits and plenty of vegetables,' he added.
'She has two sisters, Lily, 98, and Rose, 96, who are residing in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, and Singapore respectively.
'Their long lives can be attributed to good genetics, healthy living and most of all, their spiritual outlook, as caring for others and being of service to them played a central part in their daily activities.'
Tan said Theresa had often visited people and provided them with emotional and spiritual support when she was younger.
'She would advise and comfort them to help them overcome their problems.
'She would always encourage them to have a positive outlook in life and to forgive without holding any grudges,' he said, adding that Theresa was formerly a teacher.
According to Tan, Theresa was born in Gajah Berang in Melaka but made Ipoh her home 60 years ago.
'Over the years, she taught in Seremban and in Alor Setar, Kedah.
'She was well-loved by all her students as she helped many students emotionally, to ensure they completed their schooling.'
Tan said Theresa, who was married to the late Chee Ah Kin, has three children.
'Dennis, 72, is in Kuala Lumpur, while Ben, 70, is in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Doreen, 69, is in Ipoh.
'She has 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.'
Tan said Theresa, like him, belongs to the Baha'i community.
'She was the first Baha'i member in the northern region of the country in 1960,' he said, adding that the Baha'i faith was established in Malaysia in 1953.
'Many of us fondly referred to her as the 'Northern Star' for making this brave move, which in turn introduced many of us to the new teaching based on the unity of mankind.'
Tan said the centenary celebration was held at the nursing home, with Theresa surrounded by her family members and a few close friends.
'Because of the restriction at the home, the celebration was limited to only a few of us.'
He said that during the celebration, Theresa also held a virtual meeting via video conferencing with family members who were living abroad.
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